Bafta award for Harry Potter film series

Harry Potter author JK Rowling will be at this year's Baftas to accept an award on behalf of the films inspired by her books about the teenage wizard.

The success of the movies, which have been a box office phenomenon and made stars of the cast, will be marked by the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

Rowling and David Heyman, who produced the films, will receive the award during the ceremony at London's Royal Opera House on Sunday February 13.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the young wizard, said he was "thrilled" by the award.

He said: "I have loved every minute of making these films and to me the real heroes are the crew and the huge team of craftsmen that have made all eight of them possible - this award is a testament to their incredible work."

His co-star Emma Watson said: "This is a huge honour. I am so proud to have been part of the incredible team both in front and behind the camera that made these films. Thank you to Jo Rowling for writing such wonderful books, to David Heyman for shepherding us all through the past 10 years, and to all the loyal fans who have been with us throughout."

The first six movies pulled in more than 5.4 billion US dollars (£3.3 billion), making the series the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

They have notched up seven Oscar nominations and 28 Bafta nominations so far.

The last in the series, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2, will open later this year.

Previous winners of the award, introduced in 1978, include Kenneth Branagh, Mike Leigh and the special effects team that worked on Superman.

Finola Dwyer, chairman of the Bafta Film Committee, said: "As this great British film success story draws to a close with this year's eagerly anticipated final instalment, it's fitting that Bafta honours the Harry Potter films and their contribution to the British film industry. We're delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate with JK Rowling and David Heyman at the Film Awards."

The ceremony, hosted by Jonathan Ross, will be broadcast on BBC1.