Queen star Freddie Mercury becomes Angry Birds character

Queen star Freddie Mercury has been turned into a character from hit game Angry Birds.

The late singer has been used as the inspiration for an animated bird to mark a charity celebration in his honour.

The yellow creature has been kitted out with a moustache, white t-shirt and crown to mark the annual fundraising event, Freddie For A Day, ahead of the singer's birthday which would have taken place on Wednesday.

Game creator Rovio has released a cartoon on YouTube of Mercury's new character riding a bike to the soundtrack of Queen hit Bicycle Race.

His former bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor will tonight attend a fundraising dinner in London in the singer's honour for the charity Mercury Phoenix Trust, which helps with the fight against Aids.

Limited edition t-shirts are being created featuring Freddie The Angry Bird with a portion of proceeds going to the charity.

Fans are being encouraged to mark his birthday on Wednesday by dressing like Mercury, either wearing a full costume or simply adding a false moustache.

Mercury died in 1991 from an Aids-related illness.

PA