There was magic afoot in the Shire of Suffolk as families joined orcs, elves and other mystical beings on a Ring Quest at West Stow Anglo Saxon village.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elven Princess Eleandril and the Orcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNElven Princess Eleandril and the Orcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The village, near Bury St Edmunds, held its annual Middle Earth-themed trail where they encountered heroes and villains of the JRR Tolkien legend, working their way through questions and challenges to ultimately destroy the all-powerful magic ring.

Heritage officer Glynis Baxter said: "It's a very popular event, especially with families. You would think that now all the films have been made people would lose interest in doing this sort of thing but it's as popular as ever. People just seem to like the idea of being able to get out and about and exploring a magical world.

"Tolkien was an Anglo-Saxon professor and the Anglo-Saxon world is essentially what Middle Earth was based on."

Ring Quest runs until Sunday February 23. For more information go to the West Stow website.

East Anglian Daily Times: Milly Howard meeting an Orc at the Ring Quest event at West Stow Anglo Saxon village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMilly Howard meeting an Orc at the Ring Quest event at West Stow Anglo Saxon village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Orcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNOrcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Orcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNOrcs at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)