THE wonderful world of The Hobbit, as depicted in Tolkien's classic book, The Lord of the Rings, last night captured the imagination of a council's planning committee.

Despite objections from the Environment Agency and Durham County Council's highways authority, Wear Valley councillors decided to take a closer look at Elfinwood, created by former seaman Harry Davison and his wife, Val, on the outskirts of Crook.

They were told by director of planning Bob Hope that the fantasy wood, which would be filled with elves, goblins, tree bridges and Hobbit houses would be unsafe because of underground mine works and would present a "very serious highway danger" as it was next to the busy A689.

It would also be detrimental to the landscape in the area, said Mr Hope.

But despite these objections, councillors decided they would like to make a site visit to the seven-acre Elfinwood, which the Davisons, from Howdon, North Tyneside, have already started developing at a cost of £30,000.

Councillor Derek Jago and other councillors described the Tolkien project as "imaginative and exciting".

After the meeting, Mr Davison said: "We are surprised and very pleased that councillors have taken this view. I am sure when they see Elfinwood, they will understand what we are trying to achieve there.