A pupil from a Lewisham school is the embodiment of evil in the eagerly awaited new Harry Potter film.

St Dunstan's College pupil Ben Jacobs, 14, of Malham Road, Forest Hill, is the body double of baddie Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter's arch enemy in the film.

Draco is the Slytherine youngest child of the prestigious Malfoy family whose father is Standing Officer of the Ministry of Magic.

Ben, who had to dye his blond hair bright yellow for the role, got the part after attending auditions through the Tiny Tots and Teens Theatrical Agency in Streatham.

He has been taking time out of his studies to work on the film on sets in Newcastle and Whitby since September last year.

His most enjoyable time was staying in a hotel in Newcastle alongside the main Draco, Tom Felton, 13.

"We had a great time and got to go swimming lots. Tom and I really got on and everyone treated us very well," said an excited Ben.

Ben has also appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind, Oliver, and has been in ITV's The Bill.

St Dunstan's College headmaster Ian Davies said: "We are proud and supportive of Ben's achievements to date, and wish him all the best in future roles."

Harry Potter - The Philosopher's Stone is out at cinemas on Friday (November 16).

November 13, 2001 18:00