'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling to give evidence at phone hacking inquiry

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has been named among a number of high-profile public figures to give evidence at Lord Justice Leveson's judicial inquiry into phone hacking and press ethics.

Rowling, who famously guards her privacy very closely, is among 46 celebrities, sportsmen and other public figures who have been granted "core participant" status at the inquiry.

Core participants will be represented by a barrister and can cross-examine the witnesses, as well as make opening and closing statements. They may also apply for public funding for legal representation.

Other names on the list include actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, former Formula One boss Max Mosley, Calum Best and Paul Gascoigne.

All the core participants will give evidence personally, or via their lawyers, on their experience of alleged media intrusion. The inquiry gets underway next month at London's Royal Courts of Justice.

Rowling has previously expressed concern about her treatment by the press. She won a legal battle in May 2008 safeguarding the privacy of her children after photographs of her young son were published in the Sunday Express.

Inquiry chairman Lord Justice Leveson has said that the hearing would examine the press' relationship with the public, the police and politicians. It was launched after a series of allegations of voicemail interception and other illegal practices against the News of the World.

He said that he would initially look into the "culture, practice and ethics" of the press before covering any instances of improper conduct. It is expected that the inquiry will last several months, and a final report is to be produced within a year.

Rebekah Brooks, the former News International chief executive and editor of the News of the World, has been denied her application to become a core participant at the inquiry, but she will give evidence as a witness.