Oxford actor Harry Robinson said he still hoped to play a part in the next Harry Potter film, despite press reports ruling him out.

Harry Robinson

The Oxford in Bloom judge from London Road, Headington, appeared briefly in The Philosopher's Stone, and was acting legend Richard Harris's stand-in for the second film The Chamber of Secrets.

Filming for the next instalment, The Prisoner of Azkaban, begins in March, and there was speculation that Mr Robinson could be cast in the role of Prof Albus Dumbledore to replace Mr Harris who died aged 72 in October.

Mr Robinson, also 72, said he did not think he would get the role. However, he hoped to continue his work as a double.

Mr Robinson spoke after press reports linked Sir Michael Gambon, 62, with the coveted role.

He said: "I think I would have heard by now if I was going to be offered the role.

"Whoever gets it, I would like to be able to continue my work as a double.

"The eight or nine weeks I spent working on the first two films were undoubtedly the most enjoyable of my career. I got on very well with the crew.

"If I was a betting man, I would say that Sir Ian McKellen would be ideal -- and I think I could double for him."

Sir Ian has been appearing in the cinema rival to Harry Potter The Lord Of The Rings.

Last month, Mr Robinson appeared as Father Christmas at Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley.

Warner Brothers has yet to confirm the cast for The Prisoners of Azkaban.

Richard Harris had signed to play the role of Prof Dumbledore in all seven Harry Potter films.

It was suggested that producers would use unseen footage of Mr Harris and impose his face over Mr Robinson's for the third film.

Lord Attenborough has also been suggested for the role, although Sir Michael Gambon is believed to be the front-runner.