HUNDREDS of children have been on a magical adventure through a wood in south Essex in search of a very special Hobbit House...

Over the past couple of months a small house, created by two mysterious people, an artist and a photographer, has become one of the most popular attractions in south Essex.

Families have learnt about the magical abode on Facebook and many have taken a day out for an adventure to find it located deep in the woods in Hockley, which the founders want to keep secret to make it all of the more of an adventure.

One of them, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The tiny hobbit house has grown into a magical sanctuary for both children and adults.

“It is wonderful to see so many families enjoying walks into the countryside in search of a mysterious place where their imaginations can flow.”

Parents have been full of praise for the attraction which has seen many children leave wish letters and drawings for ‘the hobbit’.

The ‘Hobbit House’ has a little red door, a small table and chairs, a broom, a tidy garden, a washing line.

Mum-of-two Natalie Briggs, 34, of York Road, Southend, had a great adventure to the secret house with her children - and can't praise the idea enough. Her five-year-old and 15-month-old absolutely loved it.

She said: “I thought it was absolutely gorgeous and brilliant for children.

“There was a tiny table and chairs with knife and forks, washing line with tiny clothes and a garden path.

“I only went with the youngest so was adventure for her.”

It all kicked off when the odd parent posted a photo of the Hockley Facebook site and as the weeks went on the house got more and more popular, leading the founders to add to it and enhance it.

They eventually created their own Facebook group for the magical ‘house’ which now has more than 800 members.

Mum Sarah Percival, 42, who lives in Ashingdon, said she thinks the house is going to become even more popular over the summer.

She said: “My daughter went originally with the 1st Ashingdon Beavers and they left their scarf there as a table cloth. We went back as she wanted to show her little sister. It's really lovely that it's appeared. I had no idea the woods were even there. We had a walk through the bluebell woods and the girls were really enchanted by the house. I think he may be getting a lot of knocks on his front door.”

Mum Rebecca Ricks, 30, of Albert Road, Ashingdon, said: “I think it's a great idea. All the bits and pieces used are recycled or donated, such as the 1st Ashingdon Scout scarf from the Beavers. Kids thought it was brilliant and fired their imaginations up.”

Jo Mcpherson, former Tory Rochford district councillor, fully supports the imaginative attraction and thinks it’s a great addition to the district.

She said: “The Facebook page has had hundreds of likes, and gives instructions and a map how to find it I would just like to say thank you to whoever is responsible.

"It is a lovely home to visit for young and old, surrounded by beautiful countryside."