A SAXON village reconstructed in the heart of the Suffolk countryside will be immortalised on film thanks to a Lord of the Rings-inspired movie.

James Mortlock

A SAXON village reconstructed in the heart of the Suffolk countryside will be immortalised on film thanks to a Lord of the Rings-inspired movie.

A week of filming for Born of Hope at the West Stow Anglo Saxon village near Bury St Edmunds culminated yesterday with the shooting of the final scenes in the fictional Dunedain settlement of Taurdal, home to the chieftain Arador and his son Arathom.

Born of Hope will be a 60-minute film for free internet download for Lord of the Rings fans worldwide.

The low-budget production has attracted wide interest and the subject matter has attracted people from around the world to join the team with the entire cast and crew are giving their services for no financial gain.

It is the brainchild of actor/film-maker Kate Madison, who says the non-commercial production was being made purely for entertainment purposes and to “keep the storytelling history of Middle Earth alive”.

She said material from a test shoot had been well received at many conventions and exhibitions around the world and the Born of Hope team had a large following awaiting the release of the completed film.

Ms Madison said the idea - dreamed up when she wanted to send a film to a Tolkien Fan Film Exhibition - first came to her in 2003. “From a small spark the idea grew into a hugely ambitious project,” she said.

As soon as she saw West Stow in December 2003, she realised that it was ideal for the Dúnedain village - where most of the film is set.

Members of the crew have spent many months getting a feel for the Suffolk site. In February, they took part in West Stow's Ring Quest, the annual family challenge that sees families follow clues hidden throughout “Middle Earth”, collecting runes to solve the final puzzle and save the realms of the elves, dwarves and men.

The film is expected to be released next year.