All fired up for new Potter movie.

MAGIC model makers in the Jewellery Quarter conjured up characters for one of the biggest films of the year -by creating tiny dragons for the latest Harry Potter blockbuster.

The mini marvels which shrink to the size of a hand in the teen wizard's latest screen adventure were crafted at the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre in Vittoria Street.

Boffins at the centre were commissioned to make the plastic resin creatures based on computer drawings by a Staffordshire-based firm working on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Centre technical manager Frank Cooper said: "They needed these little dragons making but were unable to craft them small enough because they didn't have the right equipment and skills.

"We work on a small scale and in fine detail all the time so were able to help. We were even able to put the holes in the dragons' wings where they lost a fight."

The JIIC is affiliated to the University of England's School of Jewellery in the quarter, but receives Government regional development fund cash to work with industry in the West Midlands rather than students.

The 10-strong team have been hired to produce rings, bracelets and ornaments for jewellery makers across the region for almost a decade.

Centre manager Gay Penfold said: "Our remit is to work with industry across the region and enable them to benefit from our skills."

A spokeswoman for Warner Bros, makers of the Harry Potter films, said: "We don't comment on all the pople involved in the films because we believe it spoils the mystery."

CAPTION(S):

MINI MARVELS... senior designer Kate Thorley at work on a dragon at the innovation centre. Picture: Trevor Roberts' HOT STUFF... a dragon in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.