ROCK star Meatloaf is to make rock 'n' roll dreams come true for residents of a North-East village when he moves in as their neighbour.

Locals in the village of Wolviston, near Billingham, are steeling themselves for the arrival of the US rock legend after it emerged a luxury property is being built in the village.

The house has been under construction for four months, and is believed to belong to the star.

Meatloaf instructed his advisors to look for a house in the area earlier this year after he fell in love with Hartlepool United and the residents of the town.

Yesterday, villagers looked forward to the prospect of a rock star neighbour.

Pauline Hedley, 46, who runs the village post office, said: "Everybody in the village is talking about it. We are all really excited."

Representatives for the star said he was looking to pay about £1m for the property, but it is understood he was unable to find a house in that price range in nearby Hartlepool.

A three-bedroomed house on the village green in Wolviston recently sold for £200,000.

Neil Sharpe, 33, a Meatloaf fan who was raised in the village, said his presence would be good for the profile of the area.

Mr Sharpe said: "I'm going to see him in concert in Newcastle in December so personally I would be really chuffed."

However, Mr Sharpe's father, John, said he feared the village might be overrun by rock fans hoping for a glimpse of the star.

Mr Sharpe senior, 63, who has lived in Wolviston for 28 years, said: "I don't think him being here would be good for the quiet of the village."

The contractor for the property, SP McNicholas, declined to comment.