A MALVERN artist has revealed why he decided to create a Tolkien-inspired artwork in the town.

Phil Ironside painted the door to the electrical substation under Belle Vue Island as a nod to the town's connection to the famous author.

Malvern Hills District Council originally approved the installation as a tribute to Tolkien, who regularly visited the town with his friend and fellow author C.S Lewis and George Sayer, teacher at Malvern College.

Mr Ironside said: "Painting the door was great fun.

"It is a privilege to be asked to have one of my works of art situated permanently in the heart of Great Malvern, especially one that is related to JRR Tolkien and all the many extraordinary people who have taken inspiration from Malvern and the surrounding landscape.

"The wonderful reactions of people who stopped to talk about the project while I was painting was amazing. It has lifted the Belle Vue Island and I hope it will become a memorable photo opportunity for visitors.

"Please come and have your photo taken in front of Malvern’s entrance to Middle Earth, you can’t miss it."

Tolkien and his friends used to regularly walk on the Malvern Hills stopping for a pint in the Unicorn Inn after marvelling at the incredible views.

While it isn’t confirmed that Tolkien was inspired by the hills to write The Lord of the Rings, it is hard to imagine he wasn’t, with the ever-changing atmospheric views with regular misty vistas and the inspirational landscape.

George Sayer wrote that Tolkien would relive the book as they walked and compared parts of the Malvern Hills to the White Mountains of Gondor.

George Sayer also saved Tolkien from burning The Lord of the Rings manuscript.

In 1952, Tolkien, who was having difficulty getting his masterpiece Lord of the Rings published, decided to burn the draft in the fire.

Sayer prevented him and praised the work, the Fellowship of the Ring was finally published on July 29, 1954.

Cllr Daniel Walton, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development, said: “The Hobbit door is a wonderful addition to Great Malvern that will make you want to go there and back again.

"It is brilliant to see the town’s connections to such a literary legend recognised in such an imaginative way.

"On your visit, why not support local businesses and pop into local cafes for breakfast, second breakfast or even elevenses."