It is the site Lord of the Rings fans believe inspired JRR Tolkien's book The Two Towers. And now, three years after it was closed to the public, Perrott's Folly in Waterworks Road, Edgbaston, will once again throw open its gates. Although visitors will not be able to climb the tower itself, they will be able to get a close-up look at the historic building. Aimed at attracting hundreds of Tolkien readers, the event in the tower's grounds tomorrow - part of an annual Tolkien-themed weekend - will celebrate the life of the author and his work. It will also highlight the need for additional funding for the renovation of the building. At the turn of the 20th century, Tolkien moved to the area to attend the Oratory Catholic Church and School and is believed to have walked past the structure, built in 1758, every day. Together with the nearby Waterworks Tower, his fans believe the site stayed in the author's memory and acted as a inspiration for the second book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This weekend's event marks the start of a part-nership between the Perrott's Folly Company and Trident Housing Association, who will host a stall at Sare-hole Mill where the main activities of the Tolkien weekend will take place. The two organisations have announced proposals to give the building a major makeover next year and hope to launch a community project aimed at getting young people into work. This includes plans to turn the tower into a tourist attraction that will benefit the community and add to Birmingham's value as a tourist destination. Dennis Minnis, chairman of the Perrott's Folly Company, said last year the group received £143,000 from the Government, English Heritage and the city council to make much needed structural improvements to the building. But more funding is needed for further work, including carrying out improvements to the roof. The partnership hope that a renovated Perrott's Folly will serve as a focal point for its community project. Mr Minnis said: "Trident is a well known organisation in Birmingham, which provides housing for vulnerable people and young people. "But these days lots of organisations are able to branch out, not working exclusively with housing, but for educational training schemes. "We are hoping to make a community interest company with Trident with community support, while making a contribution to life in the city. "We are going to be devising training courses, which are particularly tailored to tourism in Birmingham, for young people and others to get them into work using the Folly as a focus." | 
