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A terminally-ill Harry Potter superfan has spoken of her plans for a themed wizard and witches funeral, with a specially made coffin featuring all her favourite characters.

Veronica Leaning, 78, of Coventry Avenue, Grimsby, has been in love with the books and films by JK Rowling for the past 10 years and has a signed copy of each instalment, along with signatures from nearly every member of the films' cast.

JK Rowling has even sent her three handwritten letters and invited her to three of the film premieres in London, where she got to meet all of her beloved stars.

Veronica is suffering with terminal cancer and says she only has months to live, so now she is preparing to make her final send-off a very special affair, asking all of the mourners at her funeral to come dressed in Hogwarts attire.

She even had a Harry Potter-themed coffin made for the funeral five years ago, which is painted in the colours of each Hogwarts house, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, and features some of her favourite characters from the books.

Speaking to Grimsby Live, Veronica, whose favourite characters are Professor Snape and Dobby the house elf, explained just why she loves Harry Potter so much.

She said: "I started reading Harry Potter about 10 years ago and instantly thought that this is my kind of book.

"I just think that JK Rowling is amazing and she has put together one of the most fabulous stories that I have ever read. There were many times that I queued up at midnight outside the bookshop waiting for the books to be released.

"I have read each book so many times and have lost count of how many times I have watched the films.

"I have even attended three of the premieres in London after JK Rowling sent me and my late husband tickets, which was truly a magical experience, as I got to meet her in person, along with all of the other cast members. I remember Warwick Davis being an absolute gentleman, he was so lovely."

Following the death of Veronica's late husband Tony Leaning five years ago, who she "misses dearly every day," JK Rowling sent her a handwritten letter of condolence, which she said meant the world to her.

Throughout the 78-year-old's home, her love of Harry Potter clearly stands out, as upon entering her living room visitors are greeted with a sign reading: "Wizards welcome, muggles tolerated."

Her home is also decorated with an array of Harry Potter drawings and pictures, along with a number of ornate statues of witches.

Now planning her funeral, she has asked all of her friends and family to attend dressed as wizards and witches, with Hogwarts scarves, robes, broomsticks and wands.

Her stepson Terry Leaning created her special coffin five years ago and she has kept it safe in her "Harry Potter room" which is full of memorabilia and posters.

Veronica said: "I don't want my funeral to be a sad and boring occasion. I want people to have a nice time and enjoy some of the things that I loved in life and I can think of nothing better than everyone coming in dressed as wizards and witches."