Tom Hanks will take the lead role in the movie

Hollywood bosses want to use the Hampshire cathedral for scenes in the movie which stars Tom Hanks.

It is the latest UK attraction to get a financial boost from the film - Lincoln Cathedral and Rosslyn Chapel will also earn huge sums for location fees.

Despite being criticised by the Catholic church and many historians, the novel has sold 17 million copies.

A novel that sells so many copies can afford to laugh at its critics Dean of Winchester

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev Michael Till, has welcomed the film-makers despite the book's claim of a conspiracy at the heart of the Christian religion.

He said: "A novel that sells so many copies can afford to laugh at its critics.

"The Holy Grail, an oppressive church, the Templars - first lorded then suppressed - a sexual scenario about Jesus and Mary Magdalene and the secret descent through the Merovingian Line makes a rich soup to be devoured greedily chapter by chapter."

The cathedral hopes the movie will boost tourist numbers

The Chapter of Winchester also hopes that, by agreeing to the filming in the north transept, it will attract further tourists to the city.

Councillor Therese Evans, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and sport on Winchester City Council, said: "It's all great news for our local economy and another fine example of how our ancient city can work so well with the creative industries of the 21st Century."

Lincoln Cathedral is expected to earn about �100,000 from allowing the film crews through its doors.

Trustees at Rosslyn Chapel, near Rosewell in Midlothian, stand to make a similar sum from location fees, and Winchester Cathedral should also earn substantial fees.