Steel magnate tops UK rich list

British-based steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who tops South Africa's Rich List, topped the list of Britain's richest people once again, as the wealthiest in the country saw their fortunes soar in the last year, the annual Sunday Times Rich List survey said.

The collective wealth of Britain's 1000 most affluent people rose by 30%, boosted by the improved economic conditions over the past 12 months, the survey said.

Metals magnate Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal, stayed at the top of the list with his personal fortune more than doubling to £22.45-billion.

Russian Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea football club owner who has steel and other investment interests, remained second with a fortune of £7.4-billion.

Although entrepreneurs ride high among the richest people under 30 in the UK, the most notable phenomenon is the magic worked by the Harry Potter films.

Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who rose to fame playing Potter, has seen his income soar since he received about £250000 for his appearance in the first film. Last year, he earned an estimated £25-million and his fortune is now thought to be £42-million. Radcliffe, who dropped out of school after doing his AS-levels, is 20.

Like the character he plays, Radcliffe seems to be remarkably level-headed, especially with his millions. While many 20-year-olds with money to burn might go wild on parties, cars and other toys, Radcliffe has sensibly invested in bricks and mortar. As well as a flat in Fulham, London, he is accumulating property in New York.

Last year, he bought a five-bedroom townhouse with garden in a fashionable part of the city for almost £4-million. He is also thought to own two apartmentsin New York.

His Potter co-stars, although not as rich, have still earned huge sums for 20somethings. Emma Watson, the 20-year-old who plays Hermione Granger in the films, is now worth £22-million and owns a ski chalet in Meribel, France. As well as acting and modelling, she is studying at Brown University in the US.

Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, is worth £20-million, more than double his valuation last year.

All of them, however, may well be overtaken before long by a newcomer to the Rich List.

Robert Pattinson, star of the Twilight vampire movies, has shot into the list as the 14th-richest person under 30, with a fortune of £13-million.