Hobbit red carpet beckons Tessla

Wanganui 15-year-old Tessla Grunwald is about to take the biggest walk of her life - down the red carpet as a special guest at the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The Wanganui High School student won a nationwide radio competition which earned her return airfares from Wanganui to Wellington and two nights' accommodation, for the premiere of Sir Peter Jackson's latest production.

She's taking mum, firefighter Tanja Grunwald,as her partner. They will be collected from their hotel for the red carpet event tomorrow.

"I entered the competition some time ago but they announced the winner last Wednesday," Tessla told the Chronicle yesterday. The self-confessed Hobbit fan and has seen all the movies but said tomorrow's event will be something really special.

"We're staying at the same hotel as all the guests and we all get picked up together for the premiere.

"The walk down the carpet takes about two hours and we're expected to mix and mingle as we go.

"The movie screens at 7pm and then we're off to the after-party," she said.

She hopes she'll get a chance to meet some of the stars of the movie and three special ones on her list are Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom and Elijah Wood.

"I know Tessla can't wait and even I'm getting nervous," her mother said.