WHEN it comes to movies, director Peter Jackson is one of the biggest names in the frame, but he doesn't forget the people that put him there.

People like Hereford Times artist Stewart Lilley who is such a fan of Jackson that he sent him a letter to say so, enclosing some sketches inspired by the director's two 'Lord of the Rings' blockbusters.

Stewart's efforts earned a personal reply from 'the master' who signed one sketch and kept another for himself.

Jackson even apologised for the delay in getting back - there was the small matter of editing the final film of the Tolkien trilogy.

To say Stewart's 'chuffed' is something of an understatement. Films have inspired him for as long as he can remember.

He's had a reply from Dave Prowse - Darth Vader of 'Star Wars' infamy - and seen his work published in various sci-fi fanzines.

But he never really expected anything back from Jackson, even if a documentary showed him as a 'down to earth sort of bloke'.

So an airmail package from Wingnut Films in Wellington, New Zealand, sent Stewart's spirits soaring when it landed at his Bobblestock home. Inside was the signed sketch and a personal letter from Jackson saying he was 'impressed' by what he had seen.

He wrote: "It is great that our films have helped you visualise Tolkien's amazing world. These are truly fantastic stories and I feel incredibly lucky to be the person who got to put his vision on screen. Letters like yours make all the hard work worthwhile."