A quiet little housing estate in South Woodham may soon become the county's number one tourist attraction thanks to a new blockbuster film.

The Lord of the Rings book trilogy - J R R Tolkien's legendary tale of hobbits and dwarves, elves and wizards - was the inspiration for 25 road names in South Woodham back in the early 1980s.

Rosie Hill, a humble street and numbers naming assistant with Chelmsford borough council, was so inspired by Tolkien's tale, she suggested the newly-built housing estate take names from the books.

Colin Botfield, the council's present municipal engineering manager, said the idea found favour with councillors because many of them were also fans of the books.

He said: "We had to ask the executors of Tolkien's estate who prevented us from using a couple of names, such as Frodo or Bilbo, but in the main we were given the go ahead.

"It is nice to think we got there first. As long as people are happy with the street names, that's all that matters. We just hope fans don't start stealing the street signs!"

Bob Massey, a South Woodham town councillor, has a particular love of his own street name - Lorien Gardens - as he's a keen Tolkien reader.

He said: "There's been a lot of press and television interest in the past few weeks, mainly because of the film.

"I think the film will put the town on the map. But the estate is a nice quiet corner of the world, not unlike the Hobbits' Shire.

"We're not really a tourist attraction, but we may get a lot of visitors once the film comes out in Britain.

"I only hope the town council has a budget to replace any street names which are taken!"

That street name rings a bell...South Woodham street names and their inspiration

Galadiel Spring - The Lady Galadriel was the Elven queen of Lothlorien. She is played by British actress Cate Blanchett in the film.

Gandalf's Ride - Gandalf was one of the last and greatest wizards of Middle Earth, also known as Mithrandir, elvish for 'grey pilgrim'. In the film he is played by British actor Ian McKellen.

Arwen Grove - Arwen was an Elven princess, who marries Aragorn following the War of the Ring. American actress and star of Armageddon Liv Tyler plays Arwen.

Took Drive - Peregrine Took, also known as Pippin, was a hobbit and companion of Frodo Baggins in the Fellowship of the Ring.

Rivendell Vale - Rivendell was a refuge built in the mountains by the elves. It was the site of the House of Elrond, where Bilbo Baggins resided for many years after leaving the Shire.

Published Wednesday December 5, 2001