FORMER Lancaster Royal Grammar School pupil Neil Claxton appears alongside Hollywood stars Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack in the new film Serendipity.

The project is the latest in a string of successes for Mint Royale, the band that Neil, 28, and his friend Chris Baker established five years ago.

Dave Wood who part-owns Mint Royale's Morecambe-based record label, Faith and Hope along with Neil said: "Apparently Kate Beckinsale is a big fan of the band.

The film-makers asked us the submit some music and then they actually asked the boys to appear in the film!"

Neil and Chris appear as two band members alongside one of the six main characters, Lars Hammond, played by John Corbett.

Neil said: "We travelled to Toronto last year for the filming.

It was great to meet all the stars and be involved in the project."

Dave said: "After the Serendipity project, Mint Royale were also asked to do the music for the film Vanilla Skies, that stars Tom Cuise."

Mint Royale made their premiere on Top of the Pops in 1999 with their first major chart success 'Tequila', recorded in conjunction with the popular band Terrorvision.

Since then, they have had a top 20 hit with Lauren Laverne of Kenickie and provided the music for the worldwide advertising campaign for Mint Skittles.

Top DJ Norman Cook nominated Mint Royale for Best New Act, 1999 in an NME poll and they also provide music for the TV show, The Priory, hosted by the DJ' s wife Zoe Ball.

Serendipity is currently being screened in Blackpool and Preston.