Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes made sure a trainee journalist’s career got off to a flying start.

The 82-year-old actress played Professor Sprout in two of the movies based on J.K. Rowling’s book series headed to the Isle of Wight for a special visit – and she made it a day to remember for a rookie reporter on his very first day of work.

That’s because she invited new County Press apprentice reporter Alex Cooper to spend the day with her as re-traced Charles Dickens’ steps on the island.

It all began when Manchester University graduate Alex established a rapport with Miriam when he interviewed while on work experience at the paper, in the run-up to her sell-out appearance at the Wight Proms.

And, in a specially arranged trip by County Press editor Lori Little, they ended up having fish and chips together seafront to cap an extraordinary beginning to Alex’s new job.

“It was wonderful to see Miriam enjoy the sights of the Island and spend two days with her,” Alex said.

“I was struck by her fierce intellect and warmth. We laughed a lot together. She’s helped me enormously in starting my career as a journalist, and I’ll never forget it.”

Alex used his local knowledge to impress Miriam after he returned home to the Isle of Wight to work out my next steps.

He pitched to the County Press to cover Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, and after Lori invited him in for a week of work experience his journalistic enterprise paid off.

“An interview opportunity with Miriam was offered to the newsroom in advance of her appearance at Wight Proms and with everyone else busy due to the print deadline, I took it up,” Alex said.

“Knowing that she was a self-confessed obsessive of Charles Dickens, I had to mention Bonchurch. I asked her whether she was planning to visit.

“It turned out that she was unaware of its significance in Dickens’ life and career. We made a loose plan to go there, with Miriam taking my number.”

Following more correspondence, Lori organised for Miriam to meet historian and Bonchurch tour guide Sue Lowday, and Alex organised a trip to Osborne House to see Queen Victoria’s summer residence.

“Miriam loved both trips,” Alex added.

“She knew a lot of the history already and was delighted to discover the Isle of Wight’s part to play in some of her favourite historical figures’ lives.

“At Osborne, she marveled at the house, observing how busy and cluttered Victoria’s private quarters were with ornaments.

“On the terrace and in the walled garden, she loved the flowers and the sea view.

“From the wheelchair I was pushing her in, she grabbed a bit of lavender, handed it to me, and demanded for me to smell it.

“I was also struck by how generous she was with the public,” Alex said.

“Sitting on Cowes Promenade, she spoke to everyone who passed by and said hello, and had photos too with anyone that asked.

“But most of all, she loved conversation. It was the people who spoke to her as Miriam the person, rather than Miriam the celebrity, who had the fullest conversations with the person I got to know over our trips.

“Miriam loves intergenerational company, having taken lodgers into her home for decades. During her visit, we struck up a bond, and I sincerely hope we stay in touch.”