US broadcaster HBO is to begin filming its epic fantasy adventure series Game of Thrones in Belfast in June.

The series pilot was filmed at locations around the city.

Nine more programmes based on the first book of George R.R. Martin's multi-volume A Song of Fire and Ice series have now been commissioned.

Rather than focusing on special effects, the series is said to feature realistic battles and is pitched as "The Sopranos in Middle Earth".

Location filming has also taken place in Scotland and Morocco, amid fevered internet anticipation among fantasy fans.

It will star Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Alfie Allen, the brother of pop star Lily Allen.

The makers' long-term ambition is for each novel in the series to fuel a season's worth of episodes.

HBO has been behind a string of popular programmes including The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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