SIR Ian McKellen, star of The Lord of The Rings, is taking a break from acting to unveil a mural at Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Invited guests will meet the Wigan-born film star, a former Bolton School pupil, when he attends a short ceremony in the hospice chapel on Thursday.

It is Sir Ian's first visit to the hospice in Kildare Street, Hindley. There will be open days following the official unveiling to allow members of the public to view the mural.

It was created by a local professional artist, Gerald Rickards, and is in three panels, featuring scenes from around Wigan.