SIR Ian McKellen has been signed up as the voice of bouncy Zebedee in the new film version of The Magic Roundabout.

The former Bolton School pupil will join Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue, who have already been announced as the voices of the shaggy dog Dougal and Florence, the little girl.

A spokesman for the Lord Of The Rings star, whose voice has already been recorded, said: "He's delighted to be involved.

"He thinks The Magic Roundabout is a great project and fantastic for kids and adults alike."

Sir Ian moved to Bolton from Wigan in the 1950s when his father was appointed borough engineer.

His early love of the theatre was nurtured at Bolton School and the actor has many fond memories of his time here.

He has long been noted for his skill in acting in the theatre, but he achieved worldwide recognition and acclaim for his iconic portrayal of wise wizard Gandalf in director Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The original TV series of The Magic Roundabout was created for French television in the mid-1960s by Serge Danot.

It was adapted, complete with supposedly drug-laden references, into English by Eric Thompson, the father of actress Emma Thompson.

The new Magic Roundabout movie, which will see Joanna Lumley provide the voice for Ermintrude the cow, is expected to feature new characters.

Love Actually star Bill Nighy is set to be the voice of rabbit Dylan and Jim Broadbent will record the voice of Brian the snail.

The film, which is also expected to introduce new characters, will also feature King Arthur star Ray Winstone as the voice of Soldier Sam.