Hollywood star John Hurt was in Oxford last night as the guest at the UK charity premiere of his new film, The Oxford Murders.

The veteran British actor - star of Midnight Express and Alien - introduced the film at the Odeon cinema, in Magdalen Street, after attending a VIP reception at the Randolph Hotel, in Beaumont Street.

The Lancaster Room was packed with guests looking forward to seeing the eagerly-awaited film, parts of which were shot in the city last year.

Mr Hurt, 68, who used to live in Ascott-under-Wychwood, said he had thoroughly enjoyed filming in the city.

He said he took the part because he loved the script and had high hopes for the film.

"I always enjoy coming to Oxford. It used to be my county town and I think it's a great city," he said.

"I last filmed here in 1980 for Heaven's Gate, which was a remarkable film, and I enjoyed filming here last year."

Last night's premiere was in aid of the NSPCC and Fox FM's Help an Oxfordshire Child charity.

Phil Henstridge, the Odeon's general manager, said: "John Hurt has been amazing. He has given up his time and it's fantastic to have him here tonight.

"The cinema holds about 600 people and we have sold out. We should raise about £6,000 for the two charities.

"All my team have worked really hard to make the event work and we're pleased everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."

Film crews descended on Oxford in March last year to shoot scenes for the film, which features a string of city landmarks.

Blackwell's bookshop, in Broad Street, is among them, with Mr Hurt's co-star Elijah Wood entering the shop to buy the fictional Logic Series of Modern Mathematics.

The crew also filmed in Catte Street, New College Lane and at Exeter College.

In the film, Lord of the Rings star Mr Wood plays a young Argentinian student who comes to Oxford to study.

He becomes intrigued when he discovers that his landlady - an elderly woman who helped to crack the German Enigma code during the Second World War - has been murdered.

Mr Hurt plays an Oxford University professor who takes the student under his wing as they try to solve a series of murders, linked by mathematical symbols.