Ananova:

JRR Tolkien's epic novel The Lord of the Rings has been named Britain's best-loved book in the BBC's Big Read poll.

It was the favourite to win the title of the nation's favourite work of fiction, beating other classics such as Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen to the top spot.

Interest in the fantasy adventures of heroic hobbit Frodo and his dangerous quest against dark forces in Middle Earth has surged thanks to Peter Jackson's movie trilogy based on the books. Return of the King - the third and final cinematic instalment - opened in the UK this week.

On the BBC2 show last night, 174,000 people - 23% of the poll - voted for The Lord of the Rings out of a final shortlist of five books. Pride and Prejudice came second with 135,000 and His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman came third with 63,000.

Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was fourth with 57,000 and JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire fifth with 55,000.

The search for the UK's favourite book began in April when nearly 140,0000 people nominated their favourite work of fiction to form a top 100 list. A series of programmes then detailed the books, and the public was asked to vote again, whittling the list down to 21.

Last night, the most popular five books were announced and the public was asked to vote for their favourite one. The winning text was announced at a live final at the Royal Opera House in central London hosted by Clive Anderson.

As part of the series, celebrities advocated their preferred works with survival expert Ray Mears divulging his affection for The Lord of the Rings. Mears declared after the announcement: "Tonight there's rejoicing in Middle Earth and one book rules them all."

Simon Tolkien, grandson of the author, was at the ceremony and said: "I think it's an unbelievable honour to be here today and for my grandfather to be so loved in this way." He said the award would have meant an "enormous amount" to Tolkien.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes were said to have closed bets on the poll in October because The Lord of the Rings had become the only real contender. The novels that fell just short of the top five included Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, AA Milne's Winnie The Pooh and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.