HARRY Potter's wicked Uncle Vernon will be in a less fearsome mood when he performs the readings at this year's Stratford Choral Society's Prelude to Christmas.

Well-known actor Richard Griffiths, who lives at Bearley and plays the nasty "muggle" in the hit movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, has selected traditional Christmas readings for the concert at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford, at 7.30pm on Saturday.

The readings will be combined with well-known and less usual Christmas music from the choir and organ, as well as rousing carols for all to sing.

Society chairman Susan Bruce said the concert is designed for "family enjoyment", and to encourage families to attend children under 16 are free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets, priced £6 (£3 for students) are available from the Civic Hall box office on 01789 414513 or Sue Hart on 01789 295720.