New Johnny Depp film to be filmed at Gloucester Docks

Johnny Depp is heading for Britain's most inland port to shoot the latest Tim Burton film Through the Looking Glass.

Dredging work has begun at Gloucester docks to provide enough depth for five tall ships which will feature in the film version of Louis Carroll's famous sequel to Alice in Wonderland.

Rumours had been rife that the docks would be the backdrop for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film but today it was confirmed it will be Through the Looking Glass in which Johnny Depp will reprise his role as the Mad Hatter.

News that the Victorian harbour will be featured in the new Disney production has caused excitement in the city - but also some alarm.

Leisure boat owners who sail in and out of the docks along the 17 mile Sharpness canal to the river Severn and Bristol Channel say the dredging work could trap them in Gloucester,

Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said he was thrilled that a major blockbuster would be filmed in the dockland but he was not permitted to confirm which one:

It will not be the first time a major film has been shot in Gloucester.

The cathedral's cloisters were transformed into the hallowed corridors of Hogwarts for three Harry Potter films, and the cathedral also featured in the Dr Who Christmas Special in 2008.

The docks were used in 2006 for the filming of Amazing Grace, the true story of William Wilberforce's role in ending the slave trade. On that occasion stars seen at the docks included Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch and Albert Finney.

It is understood the dredging at the docks to prepare for the new film will go on until Aug 8th and filming will begin ten days later on Aug 18th.