THE long-awaited film Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (PG) opens at Malvern Cinema today (Fri-day) with showings at 2pm and 7pm.

The epic adaptation of J R R Tolkien's landmark fantasy has been receiving rave reviews from all quarters.

Elijah Wood appears as the hobbit Frodo, who must take the ancient Ring to its destruction.

Sir Ian MacKellen as the wizard Gandalf, and Christ-opher Lee as Saruman head a star cast which also includes Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler and Ian Holm.

After today, Lord of the Rings is on daily at 7pm, with matinee performances at 2pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays.

Advance bookings can be made by calling the box office on 01684 892277.