Ricky Gervais to voice Mole in new Wind in the Willows

Ricky Gervais is to voice Mole in a new movie version of 'The Wind in the Willows'.

The legendary comedian was handpicked by director Ray Giggs who has been desperate to sign up the 49-year-old in the coveted role "for many years".

After securing a $30million budget to bring Kenneth Grahame's classic book to the big screen, Giggs approached the 'Office' star to play the furry character - and was delighted when he came on board.

Giggs told Variety magazine: "It's a natural fit to have an iconic British actor star in an iconic British tale. I had Ricky in mind for this role from the inception of this project and am very excited to welcome him aboard the film.

"He brings the necessary authenticity to 'The Wind in the Willows', a film project that has been a passion of mine for many years and a project I know Ricky is very passionate about as well.'

The film will be a mix of live action and animatronics with the help of special effects company Weta - who worked on Peter Jackson's box office hits 'King Kong' and 'Lord of the Rings'.

In the movie - described as a "bold, new interpretation" of the book, the four key characters Mole, Badger, Rat and Mr Toad overcome a sinister plot to destroy their land.

The rest of the cast is yet to be announced.