FANS of the blockbuster Lord of the Rings film could soon be able to buy their very own slice of Hobbit heaven in Worcestershire.

John Talbot is co-ordinator of the Home for Life project, which is promoting the construction of burrow-shaped, earth-covered homes just like the Hollywood depiction of Bag End.

The Home for Life "pod", based at the Bishops Wood Centre, in Crossway Green, near Stourport-on-Severn, is the only example of its kind in the country.

Mr Talbot, who has close links with the centre, is currently striving to get the environmentally friendly, curvilinear homes built in the UK for the first time.

The building, designed by renowned graphic artist Roger Dean, boasts a wealth of eco-friendly features including free hot water courtesy of geothermal heat transfer.

It is understood up to five sites in Worcestershire and Warwickshire have been earmarked as potential locations for the homes, subject to planning permission.

"The Home for Life is on loan to us from Mr Dean and we've got it because it's a fantastic educational resource for teaching adults and children about buildings of the future," said John Rhymer, head of the Bishops Wood centre.

"It helps children get away from their preconceptions about homes and helps them think about the material world and possessions.

"Some of the children say the Home for Life looks like something from Teletubbies, while others have said it looks like something a Hobbit would live in.

"It's used in our programme called Material World which examines clothes through history from the Stone Age onwards."

The educational centre, which is used by schools, also boasts a full-sized Saxon hall.

Mr Rhymer has spent the night in the futuristic home, which although on a trailer for easy manoeuvrability, would be covered with earth.

"Because of the shape, there are no corners in which to stack rubbish. There are curves everywhere. It's very relaxing and peaceful," he added.

Jonathan Bengough, a partner at Knight Frank estate agents, based at City Wells House, Worcester, said he believed the homes could prove popular.

"The fact that it would be unique would certainly add value," he said.

n The Bishops Wood centre will be holding an open weekend on Saturday, October 16, and Sunday, October 17, from 10.30am to 3pm, when visitors can take a peek at the Home for Life. There will also be a host of family activities. Entry is £5 per car full of people while pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders will be admitted free.