THE tourism industry in Lacock looks set to receive a massive boost next year as Hollywood film crews prepare to return to the picturesque village.

Residents and businesses are hoping the arrival of Warner Bros film crews, in the early part of next year, will bring thousands of pounds of tourist revenue pouring into the local economy.

Film bosses from Hollywood are rumoured to be using the Wiltshire village for the second instalment of the Harry Potter series, The Chamber of Secrets.

British stars including Kenneth Branagh, Robbie Coltrane and Maggie Smith could all be appearing in scenes filmed in Lacock, with filming earmarked for early February 2002.

Harry Potter mania hit the village last year when film crews descended on Lacock Abbey using the famous cloisters as a setting for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Film crews have already been spotted in the village, with many residents hoping that the return of Harry Potter mania will breathe new life into a tourist industry still suffering from the knock-on effects of foot-and-mouth disease.

John Glass, 58, landlord of The George said members ofthe film crew had been in his pub talking about returning tothe village.

He said: "It is pretty well known fact that the crews are coming back.

"The crews are coming back

in January. I was talking to someone who worked on the film and they were saying that was the plan.

"Any kind of filming is good for us as it brings in trade. Harry Potter is mega stuff as the film is such an advert for Lacock.

"Harry Potter is an on-going thing and the village could be used again and again.

"The crew were down here in the village, they are just checking things out. Some are making windows and props for the set.

"Traders in the village are hoping we do very well from it."

Jean Sheard, of Lacock Bakery, said the village's economy would be boosted by the return of film crews.

She said: "We think we have seen scouts in the village.

"It makes sense for them to come back in February as the village is quiet.

"These film crews like to keep themselves under wraps. It is a bit of a disappointment when they keep it so quiet as we look forward to the filming."

A spokesman for the Warner Bros production office said: "We won't be able to confirm the rumours at the moment.

"We may be able to release locations at the end of the year but nothing is confirmed yet."