HOGWARTS School of Wizardry has been recreated in the North-East as filming gets under way on the second Harry Potter film.

The setting of Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, has been chosen for the movie Harry Potter's Chamber of Secrets.

The Warner Brothers production team has scoured the UK to find 14 Ford Anglia cars for a spectacular crash scene in the castle's Inner Bailey.

The medieval castle, which is home to the Duke of Northumberland, has become the residence to a tented village including wardrobes, restaurants, rehearsal space and even classrooms for local children who are appearing in the movie.

Inside the castle, one walled enclosure houses dozens of lorries and the biggest portable generator in Britain, which powers the whole set.

Security has been intense during the three-week operation, which is due to run until the end of this week, following several days spent filming scenes at Durham Cathedral.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets marks the second visit by Warner to Alnwick, following filming of the previous film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in September and October 2000.

A spokesman for the Duke of Northumberland said: "Warner has been very kind to allow access to the sets, so that they could give proper thanks to those local people who have helped immensely in the production of both films.

"We think Alnwick will benefit massively from what looks set to be another sure-fire smash hit."