ONE of the “stars” of the latest, much-anticipated Harry Potter blockbuster due to be released nationwide next week hails from the north Cotswolds.

The pale blue Royal Enfield motorcyle and Watsonian sidecar which features in the seventh Harry Potter movie- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 -have been supplied by Blockley-based company Watsonian Squire.

In one scene the vehicle is seen ridden at breakneck speed across London by Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane, while Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, grimly clings on for dear life.

Ben Matthews, director and co-owner of Watsonian Squire, which is based at Northwick Park Business Centre, said all the firm’s 20 workers were excited about the new movie.

Ben said: “We were contacted by the company that sources vehicles for films.”

Originally the film makers only wanted sidecars but when they saw the Royal Enfields they ended up buying seven complete motorbike and sidecar “outfits”.

“One ended up in a lake, one was made lighter for a flying scene and one was modified for a stunt,” said Ben, whose team has had to keep quiet about the movie tie-in for the past 18 months.

“It all very exciting, ” said Ben, whose sidecars are expected to be used at the London premiere today. “We have been helping get them roadworthy,” he added.

Ben, who lives in Evesham, admitted that he has never read the Harry Potter books or seen any of the movies, though he said his son, Troy, aged 12, is an avid fan.

“I will have to take the kids to see it,” said Ben, whose firm has also supplied sidecars for The Two Fat Ladies TV cookery show and Charlie Boorman’s travel documentaries.

Film star Ewan McGregor recently bought one of the Cotswold firm’s sidecars which was shipped to his home in California. A version of the “Harry Potter” motorbike and sidecar will feature on Watsonian Squire’s stand at the upcoming Motorcycle Live exhibition at Birmingham NEC.