YORK-born Harry Potter star David Bradley has conjured up a magic idea in an effort to save City.

The 59-year-old actor, who has supported the Minstermen since his schooldays, took time out between filming a sequel to the blockbuster, to throw his weight behind the campaign.

Mr Bradley, who grew up in Burton Stone Lane, has donated an exclusive film crew t-shirt signed by the Harry Potter cast, to be auctioned off by the Save City campaign group.

The actor, who now lives in Stratford-upon-Avon, plays Hogwarts School's nasty caretaker, Filch, in the film, and is currently filming the follow-up in Gloucester and studios outside London.

"I fully support the campaign to save City," he said

"I couldn't believe it when I was told about what was going on. It would be a tragedy if we had to leave Bootham Crescent.

"I remember being one of the first on to the pitch when we beat Spurs in the FA Cup in 1955.

"I couldn't go to the semi-final against Newcastle because I was at school. We were allowed to listen to it on the radio and I cried my eyes out when we got beat!"

Mr Bradley's sister, Joan Calpin, who lives in Almsford Road, off Beckfield Lane, said: "We're all very proud of David - I think it's brilliant what he is doing for City.

"My husband, Kevin, is a season ticket holder so the club is very important to us all."

Father-of-two Mr Bradley played Christ in the 1976 York Mystery Plays and has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years.

His many television exploits have included parts in Our Friends In The North and a BBC adaptation of Martin Chuzzlewit.

"Working on Harry Potter has been an amazing experience," said Mr Bradley.

"Filch is a great character to play - I've tried to make him frightening and funny."

Updated: 11:33 Thursday, January 31, 2002