FANS of hobbits, elves and all things Middle Earth gathered at the grave of JRR Tolkien this weekend.

Since the Oxford fantasy author died in 1973, members of the Tolkien Society have gathered each year in the city where he wrote The Hobbit and its sequel The Lord of the Rings.

The event, Oxonmoot, took on special significance this year as it was the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit. A film adaptation of the children’s book is set to be released in December.

Tolkien Society trustee Shaun Gunner, pictured with Oxonmoot chairman Helen Armstrong and society chairman Sally Kennett, right, said: “In recent years we’ve obviously dealt with The Lord of the Rings a lot more, because of the films, so it was nice to return to this.

We had quizzes, singing, poetry, and saw the costume creations of some of our members.”

About 150 people attended the event, which culminated with a visit to Tolkien's grave at Wolvercote Cemetery.

Mr Gunner, who lives near Brighton, said: “Now we’re just looking forward to the film coming out and meeting all the new fans that will bring.”

Picture: OX54530 Ric Mellis