Kent has been given a fantastical new make-over in the style of the Lord of the Rings.

A detailed map of the county - in the style of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth - is now available to buy online.

The map shows the region covered in trees, castles, forts and mountains plus places of interest, with the towns and villages dotted around.

Leeds Castle, the city of Canterbury, the towers at Reculver and the longship at Pegwell Bay in Thanet are just a few of Kent's landmarks highlighted on the map.

The map looks very similar to the one created by Tolkien to represent Middle Earth, the fictional world he created and where his fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place.

The map has been designed by Lord of the Rings fan Chris Birse, who creates them in his free time to sell on Etsy, an online marketplace for unique and hand-crafted goods.

Chris, 31, said: "I've started writing my own fantasy novel. I designed a map for that and really enjoyed the process.

"So I did another one based on Teesside, where I live.

"A few people said it was good and it grew from there really."

Chris, from Teesside in Middlesborough, has now designed maps for various regions across the UK, such as Yorkshire and Cumbria, as well as Wales, Scotland and Ireland and a general UK one.

Kent is his most recent creation.

He said: "I make posts on my Facebook page asking people what they would like to see me create next.

"Once a country or place has been decided, I post weekly 'work in progress' and ask for feedback, including any settlements and places of interest. With Kent for example, I was asked to include the Viking longship at Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.

"I find little details like that make these maps more relateable whilst still keeping a fantasy theme.

"I've got a couple of orders already for Kent."

Chris has a soft spot for the county having visiting several times.

He added: "I have visited Kent on several occasions during weekends away. I particularly loved Canterbury and the wealth of history in the area.

"Everywhere you turn there's a castle or something of historical significance. I remember visiting Richborough Roman Fort and Deal Castle in the same day and just being awed by how much has happened down there over the years."

Each map takes about 50 hours to create on photo shop, which Chris spreads out over the course of 3-4 weeks. He designs them with girlfriend Fiona Mckim.

When first starting out Chris had to purchase the right to use a font - called Amiron - for the maps, which is similar to the one used in the books and films.

Mr Birse, who works as a deputy manager at Aldi, said: "I haven't always been artsy. I love writing and being creative in that way. I needed a map for my book and that's when I got into it.

"I haven't finished my book yet though, its taken a bit of a back seat."

The map of Kent is available as a poster and is printed on "high quality, sturdy silk paper".

It can be ordered in three sizes and costs between £15.99 and £24.99.

The website states: "Fantasy World Maps offers a truly unique addition to any home or office. Perfect for anyone who loves fantasy or cartography themed items.

"This map of Kent has been lovingly reimagined with castles and dramatic mountains to give a more fantastical feel.

"This is a truly huge piece which is sure to catch the eye in any location.

"Despite its large size, the high-resolution Tolkien style writing and details within the map are crystal clear."

Maps are also available as a canvas, costing between £60-£80, and can be printed on phone cases and tablet cases, and in some cases shoes.

Chris has received a five star average rating on Etsy, with one customer saying: "The drawing is amazing and exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommended."

Visit www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FantasyWorldMaps

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