The capital city of New Zealand will rename itself as it prepares to host the world premiere of the opening film in The Hobbit trilogy.

Wellington is to become The Middle of Middle-Earth for three weeks before and after the event.

Small folk paraphernalia will be spread around the city and a red carpet will extend 500 yards through the centre to honour the movie, which follows Bilbo Baggins in his quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Wellington is planning to spend NZ\$ 1.1m (£560,000) to mark the premiere of Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The (2012) at the Embassy Theatre on November 28.

The city is a fitting venue for the film, which is directed by Wellington resident Peter Jackson and filmed throughout New Zealand.

"Thousands of people want to come and be part of the fun," Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said.

She went on to reveal that Jackson had helped to create a film industry in Wellington which now employs more than 3,000 people.

The name change will be widely recognised, including in postmarks on letters and the masthead of the city's main newspaper.

Stars of the film include Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage, although it is not known which of the main cast members will attend the premiere.

Source: Press Release