Actor Daniel Radcliffe has recorded a public service announcement in support of a gay teen suicide charity.

The Harry Potter star recorded the PSA for The Trevor Project - a 24-hour helpline for US gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth who are at risk of self-harm.

The 30-second clip features Radcliffe explaining what the charity is about and ends with the star encouraging LGBT youth: "Be proud of who you are".

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that provides an around-the-clock suicide prevention line for teenagers who are gay, lesbian or questioning their sexuality or gender.

Executive director and chief executive of the Trevor Project, Charles Robinson said: "LGBTQ youth suicide is a preventable epidemic, and at the Trevor Project, we know that community education is the key to combating these devastating statistics.

"Because this PSA features Daniel Radcliffe, it has the incredible power to educate communities and spread the word to youth that help is always available and that is okay to reach out for support."

Radcliffe said: "I believe that The Trevor Project has a universal mission of acceptance that is so profound.

"If this brief PSA makes even one lost and alone young person aware of the Trevor Helpline and the lifesaving support it offers, then it will have been an endeavor well worth making."

In an interview with Associated Press Radciffe said he feels it's incredibly important that straight people show they care and are interested in the welfare of gay and lesbian youth.

Growing up with parents in the acting profession the 21 year-old says he was always surrounded by gay men: "It was never even something I thought twice about, that some men were gay and some weren't"

The young star has become one of the world's most recognized actors.

Radcliffe made his acting debut at the age of 10 as the young David Copperfield in a BBC adaption of Charles Dickens' classic novel.

In 2001 he made his film debut opposite Pierce Brosnan in The Tailor of Panama. Later that same year he appeared for the first time as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone.