Although it was to be another seven years before movie giants Warner Bros bought Leavesden Studios, it had already become the home of Harry Potter when these pictures were taken.

Back in June 2003, former Watford Observer photographer Pete Stevens took to the skies with Firecrest Aviation from Elstree to photograph the town and surrounding areas.

During his flight, he captured the images on this page which show the studio complex a few months after principal photography had begun for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third instalment of the hugely successful film series.

We began our look back at these aerial pictures last month, featuring views of Watford FC, the town centre area and Watford Junction.

In addition to the images of the studios, scroll through the photos below for views of The Grove hotel and golf course and the intersection of the M1 and M25 motorways.

Watford Observer: The former Leavesden Aerodrome runway is in the top left of the picture.The former Leavesden Aerodrome runway is in the top left of the picture. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

We’ll bringing you more fantastic aerial shots of Watford and the surrounding area from 2003 over the next few weeks.

Watford Observer: A higher view of the Leavesden area.A higher view of the Leavesden area. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Read more:

How Watford FC looked from above 20 years ago

12 stunning pictures showing Watford from the sky 20 years ago

Watford Observer: This view shows how relatively small the studio complex was 20 years ago.This view shows how relatively small the studio complex was 20 years ago. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: Another motorway traffic jam.Another motorway traffic jam. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: A spectacular view of the M1/M25 junction.A spectacular view of the M1/M25 junction. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: Much of The Grove hotel complex was still a building site in 2003.Much of The Grove hotel complex was still a building site in 2003. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: The road leading up to the hotel can be seen in the centre of this picture.The road leading up to the hotel can be seen in the centre of this picture. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: The full expanse of the golf course can be seen in this image.The full expanse of the golf course can be seen in this image. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)

Watford Observer: Another view of the hotel and golf course from above.Another view of the hotel and golf course from above. (Image: Pete Stevens / Firecrest Aviation Elstree)