Road may be called Lara Croft Way

Lara Croft was played by the actress Angelina Jolie in the Tomb Raider films

Derby could name its new ring road after the computer game and movie character Lara Croft.

The star of the Tomb Raider franchise was originally devised by a computer game manufacturer based in the city.

Members of the public were invited to suggest names for two stretches of Derby's new £36.2m inner ring road system, which is due to open next year.

People in the city will be asked to vote on eight shortlisted names, one of which is Lara Croft Way.

Other suggestions include Mercian Way, Griffon Way and Merlin Way while other possibilities are roads named after the legendary Derby County footballer Steve Bloomer, the astronomer John Flamsteed and the engineer George Sorocold.

Members of the public will vote on a shortlist of names for the road

The Tomb Raider games were created by Core Design, which was based in Derby, and featured the treasure-hunting British archaeologist Lara Croft.

The games became best sellers and were later made into movies featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara.

Councillor Lucy Care, cabinet member for planning and transportation at Derby City Council, said: "It's sad that there are only two roads to name, as there were many ideas which showed serious research and creativity.

"I hope that when people vote for their preferred names they think about which names people will enjoy using for many years to come, and which will help make Derby a more memorable place for visitors."

People have until 31 January 2010 to vote through the council website or in writing to Derby City Council.