MORE than 70 people have signed a petition supporting a couple's plan to create a fantasy wood full of elves and goblins at a North-East beauty spot.
Retired marine engineer Harry Davison and his wife, Val, said they were both very pleased with the support they have had so far from local people for their plan to develop Elfinwood on the outskirts of Crook, County Durham.
They are appealing against Wear Valley District Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the project.
Planners say access to the seven-acre wood next to the A689 would pose a traffic hazard and there was a safety problem because of underground mine workings.
Mr Davison said: "The amount of support we have been getting from local people and from letters we have received has been wonderful.
"The other day, three children turned up at Elfinwood offering to help in any way they could."
The Davisons say they are determined to press ahead with Elfinwood, which is based on characters from the JRR Tolkien children's book, The Lord of the Rings.
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