Two blockbuster films look set to bring a welcome boost to Pembrokeshire this year.

The Western Telegraph recently revealed that Warner Brothers, the company behind the Harry Potter films, had been captivated by local scenery, and a second film is now rumoured to be bringing Hollywood greats to the county’s coastline.

Robin Hood film Nottingham, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, looks set to be filmed on location in Freshwater West, in August.

The Universal Pictures film will follow hot on the heels of the Harry Potter crew as they leave the area.

The National Park Authority is still in discussion with the company behind Nottingham, and it is thought that 600 people will be involved in the filming, plus 100 horses and numerous extras.

A report was presented to the national park’s development management committee last week, and members welcomed the potential benefits the films could bring to the area.

The report stated: “There are obvious spin-offs, both in immediate input into the economy and raising the profile of the area, which may encourage others to visit.”

Cathy Milner said: “It’s a huge bonus for Pembroke-shire, there’s the input of finance and it will also raise the county’s profile.”

Planning officer Ms Milner said Freshwater West had come up on the film-makers’ radar and six days’ filming were planned for early May.

The Harry Potter crew is expected to be in the area for 50 days. A set will be built in Pembroke Dock and moved to a site in the dunes. Work is expected to start in the area after Easter.

The beach location will feature in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the eagerly anticipated film based on J. K. Rowling’s final book.

National park authority chairman, Councillor Simon Hancock said: “Pembrokeshire has got such an iconic scenery and using our natural resources for something like this is going to give the economy a big boost.”

He described how two of the main aims of the national park were to conserve the environment, but also to promote opportunities for enjoyment within the park.

“I warmly welcome the fact that these major studios are looking to film here and I think it will bring the natural beauty of the county into the limelight,” he said.

Cllr Tony Brinsden said: “The economic benefits of having something like this in Pembrokeshire are enormous, and there will be a spillout of benefits over the next few years.”

Warner Brothers began filming the final Harry Potter film last month. It is due to be released next year.