Tolkien often stayed at Stonyhurst College when his son was a teacher there and was known to enjoy walks in the countryside around Hurst Green. Many fans of the author believe it was the inspiration for "The Shire", the idyllic rural home of the Hobbits in the "Rings" trilogy and other works.

That led to the development of the Tolkien Trail – a walk which takes in many of the features which could have inspired the author.

Recently the trail was the basis for one of a series of events organised as part of the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture. The intrepid trail followers searched for clues on the guided walk, while embracing the serenity of the beautiful Ribble Valley.

The magical journey ended at The Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green, for a banquet of local cuisine which featured fell-bred lamb, Anderton's sirloin steak, Lancaster Smokehouse seafood cocktail and Andrew Holt's black pudding and pancetta salad.

Walk leader Ken Claxon, said: "It's such a picturesque area – I'm not surprised it motivated Tolkien!"