WHILE the new Harry Potter film has captured the nation's interest, it seems Worcester's schoolchildren are also bursting with enthusiasm for the forthcoming Anne Frank exhibition.

More than 4,000 children from 42 schools have snapped up bookings in advance of the display, set to be held in Worcester Cathedral for three weeks in January.

Now organisers at the cathedral are keen to encourage the public to come to the exhibition at times to avoid the school visits.

Ideally, they recommend visitors come after 2.30pm or on Saturdays between Monday, January 7, and Tuesday, January 29.

The roadshow has been touring the nation's cathedrals and churches since 1992, but is coming to Worcester for the first time.

Organiser David Morphy, director of education for the Diocese of Worcester, chased it up after viewing it in Harrogate.

"I thought this had never been in Worcester, and it should be, so I spoke to the organisers," he said.

"The other thing that rang bells with us was that we're working on anti-racism at the moment.

"This is still an exciting story for children from Year 6 onwards, but they realise it's a sad example of racism because she dies."

Mr Morphy said the Worcester diocesan education department was working in partnership with schools to try and educate children about the dangers of racism, and to encourage a more inclusive attitude.

He is hoping the Anne Frank exhibition will bring home the dangers of religious bigotry at a time when there is a real danger of racism affecting Muslim children.

"Since September 11, there has been a danger of stereotyping the Muslim community, and we need to look at the problem of racism in Worcester," he added.

"We need to change perceptions in schools and encourage inclusivity. This exhibition will help to achieve that."