Robin Hood pardoned by Sheriff of Nottingham

Robin Hood was pardoned by the Sheriff of Nottingham at the city's castle

Outlaw Robin Hood has been pardoned by the Sheriff of Nottingham so the two can work together to support redevelopment of the city's castle.

The current sheriff, Councillor Ian Malcolm, has appointed the city's official Robin Hood as Under-Sheriff.

Nottingham City Council is petitioning the Heritage Lottery Fund for help to turn the castle into a "world class" attraction.

A bid for £14m is due to be submitted on 30 November.

Tim Pollard, the official Robin Hood, will collect petition signatures around Nottingham between 11:00 and 16:00 GMT on Friday.

The official Robin Hood and Maid Marian are expecting a baby

"The Sheriff and Robin Hood have been fighting in and outside the castle for over 900 years so it's about time we started fighting for it instead," he said.

Maid Marian pregnant

In his role as Robin Hood, Mr Pollard promotes tourism and takes part in civic events including the annual Robin Hood Pageant and royal visits.

He is expecting a baby with the official Maid Marian, his partner Sally Chappell, in January.

"After 900 years and with Maid Marian expecting our first baby, maybe it's time for me to move out of the forest and into the castle - somewhere near the Sheriff's treasure room would do just fine," he said.

The Sheriff of Nottingham, historically responsible for enforcing law and order, is the main villain in the legend of Robin Hood. It is now a ceremonial role, similar to a mayor.

Nottingham City Council previously applied for £14.9m towards the castle project, but this was rejected by the HLF in May.

The new bid was approved by the council's executive board on Tuesday, and the council will find out if its application has been successful in February or March.