Harry Potter franchise to get outstanding Bafta award

The Harry Potter films will receive an outstanding British contribution to cinema prize at this year's Bafta awards, organisers have announced.

Potter author JK Rowling and producer David Heyman will receive the award on behalf of the franchise.

The films have "highlighted the expertise within the British craft and technical industries", Bafta said

The 2011 Bafta Film Awards will be held at London's Royal Opera House on 13 February.

Starting in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the seven films released so far have made more than $5.4 billion worldwide.

An eighth and final instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, will be released in July.

Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, 21, said he had "loved every minute of making these films".

"To me the real heroes are the crew and the huge team of craftsmen that have made all eight of them possible," he went on.

"This award is a testament to their incredible work."

Radcliffe's sentiments were echoed by co-star Emma Watson, who said it was "a huge honour".

"Thank you so much Bafta for this amazing award," added Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley opposite Radcliffe's Harry and Watson's Hermione Granger.

To date, the Potter movies have received seven Oscar nominations and 28 Bafta nominations.