A 40-year-old man from Oxfordshire has been charged with stealing a first edition copy of a Harry Potter book from an art gallery in Woodstock.

Kevin McGirr, of Oxford Road, Kidlington, was charged with theft today after a rare copy of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone was taken from the Creative Art Gallery in Oxford Street, on October 30.

The book, worth an estimated £6,000, was found wrapped in a plastic bag outside Boots, in Bury Street, Abingdon, by a member of the public on November 15.

Police said no further action would be taken against a 36-year-old woman, who also answered bail today after being arrested on suspicion of theft as well as aiding and abetting an offence.

McGirr was released on bail to appear before Banbury Magistrates’ Court on January 4, 2011.