Harry Potter star James Phelps is hoping to magic up some money to support the Royal Borough's new £22million hospice building.

James and his twin brother Oliver played the Weasley twins Fred and George in the Potter films.

Now James, whose past achievements have included sky diving and doing the Three Peaks Challenge, is joining cyclists on the Big Mountain Challenge road biking event in the French Alps.

The event is being held to help raise funds for the new building at Bray Lake that will soon house Windsor's Thames Hospice.

James said: “I’ve known Thames Hospice for several years and have always admired the incredible support they offer their patients and families.

“When I heard about the new hospice build, I was delighted to do my bit to support it. If you’re into cycling, Harry Potter, or both, we invite you to join us for a stunning long weekend in the Alps.”

Jason Bevan, a film marketing executive and Thames Hospice Ambassador is fronting the event. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have James on board.

“We have a wide range of abilities taking part from international pros and national squad members to weekend cyclists like James. At £395 per rider including hotel, it’s a superb deal thanks to all our sponsors.”

Participants can ride alongside James as well as pro cyclists from international teams, to conquer iconic Tour De France climbs, benefitting from professional standard mechanical support and welfare.

Riders will ascend the equivalent of Mt Kilimanjaro at 5895m or for more advanced cyclists, the height of Mt Everest at 8848m over 3.5 days. For a gentler pace, the Matterhorn route offers a climb in the morning with a descent in the afternoon. The route includes some of the most iconic and scenic mountain climbs in Europe.

All sponsorship money from the event will go towards the building of the new hospice. A further £3million is needed towards an £22million new build which will offer increased services in a state-of-the-art facility to ensure every local patient and family member who needs support can receive it.

To join James book your place today at www.bigmountainchallenge.com