Oxford will play a pivotal role in the multi-million pound screen version of JK Rowling's Harry Potter story.

Warner Brothers has struck a deal with Oxford University to start filming scenes for the epic movie in the next few weeks.

Representatives from the film company visited the University earlier this year to check out several locations.

Some scenes at the Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Witchcraft will be filmed at Gloucester Cathedral School but the producers have decided to film some scenes in Oxford at the Bodleian Library and Christ Church.

A contract is now being drawn up and an undisclosed sum will be paid to the University before filming starts next month.

Bursar of Brasenose College Dr Robert Gasser, who has liaised with film crews wanting to film within the University precincts, said: "Production companies of all sizes come to Oxford for filming. The Harry Potter film will be quite a large operation.

"We will, of course, make sure that filming does not disrupt term-time. Crews must always work around normal student activities.

"We are an educational institution first and foremost. Filming must come second to other things.

"However, the money we are paid by film crews helps keep the buildings in the state you see them today."

The film's producers have also approached Didcot Railway Centre and are considering filming there for the scenes when Harry is waved off to school on the Hogwart's Express.

Last month, it was revealed that ten-year-old Oxford schoolgirl Emma Watson would play the part of Hermione Granger, one of Harry's best friends.

The Dragon School pupil was picked to play the part when hundreds of youngsters auditioned.

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, who lived in Cowley and started her acting career when she joined the Oxford Playhouse School of Theatre in 1951, will play the part of Prof Minerva McGonagall, second in command of the Hogwart's School.