Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe gave his support today to a US charity which helps suicidal young gay men and women.

Charitable: Daniel Radcliffe shows his support to the gay community

The 20-year-old made a large donation to the Trevor Project, which runs a 24-hour helpline offering support to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning" (LGBTQ) young people to try to reduce the number who attempt to take their own lives.

Radcliffe recently told Attitude magazine that he "loathed" homophobia and said he hoped his support would raise the charity's profile.

"I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work," he said.

"It's extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it's truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

"I deeply hope my support can raise the organisation's visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline's highly trained counsellors and Trevor's many other resources.

"It's vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value."

The Trevor Project was set up by the creators of the 1994 Oscar-winning short film, Trevor, a comedy-drama about a gay 13-year-old who tries to kill himself when his friends reject him because of his sexuality.

As well as the helpline, the charity also runs an online question-and-answer forum for young people with questions about sexual orientation and gender identity and an educational kit for schools and youth groups.

Charles Robbins, the Trevor Project's chief executive, said the charity was extremely grateful for Radcliffe's donation.

"He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth," Mr Robbins said.