A ST HELENS film director says he is delighted to be involved in the “wonderful world” of Harry Potter, after it was revealed he will be at the helm of the two final movies in the series.

David Yates, who directed the 2007 summer blockbuster Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is currently in production on The Half-Blood Prince.

Yesterday it was announced he will direct Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The film, which will be released in two parts, marks the first time a director has been at the helm of more than two releases in the film franchise.

Growing up in St Helens in the mid-1970s, Mr Yates’ talent for film soon became evident.

He would invite relatives and friends to play bit parts in films he made on an 8mm camera bought for him by his mother.

After training at the National Film and Television School, Yates moved into television and won a Bafta for two-part drama Sex Traffic.

After the announcement, he said: “I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both the Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince.

“It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.”

Producer David Heyman said: “I am thrilled that David Yates is returning to direct The Deathly Hallows.

“He is both inspired and inspiring and is a passionate fan of the remarkable world and characters Jo [Rowling] has created.

“I know he will lead our incomparable cast and crew, most of whom have been with us since the very beginning, in bringing the series to the unforgettable conclusion it deserves.”

Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros added: “We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.”

Part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will open in 2010.

lizawilliams@dailypost.co.uk