Public auditions for next Harry Potter film

Harry Potter fans are being offered the chance to land starring roles in the next film at auditions in London.

Producers are searching for two unknowns to play Ron Weasley's girlfriend Lavender Brown and a young Tom Riddle, who goes on to become the evil Voldemort.

Thousands of hopefuls are expected to turn up for the casting calls.

Last year 15,000 people auditioned for the role of eccentric Hogwarts pupil Luna Lovegood.

It went to 14-year-old Evanna Lynch, a schoolgirl from Co Louth.

The new roles are for sixth film 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince', which goes into production shortly.

Director David Yates said: "These auditions are open to everybody and we can't wait to see who comes in the door.

"Normally I have all these casting agents sending me kids who have been to stage school and who come in tap-dancing and singing.

"What we are looking for is someone natural and absolutely credible in their own right."

The auditions take place at Earls Court this Sunday and on Sunday, July 8.