IN DAYS of yore, knights had a fairly particular way of promoting the interests of their city.

Namely, if you were a knight from a place with competing interests, they'd try to run a sword through you.

In 2010, knighthood's a bit different. And when the Knights of Nottingham ride forth to represent their namesake city, their methods centre more on medieval fairs, pageants, jousting competitions and the occasional film or television appearance.

On Saturday the Knights, who are based at the Bunny Hill Riding Centre and who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, make one of their regular performances at Nottingham Castle. And from May 14, you'll be able to see some of them on the big screen – they feature in scenes from new Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe epic Robin Hood.

"A lot of it's reputation. We'd worked with Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe on Gladiator," Knight Mark Shelton said.

"They'd been busting their chops to come back to the UK and do some shooting in the south of Wales. This Robin Hood shoot was just what they needed."

While being a Knight of Nottingham isn't a full-time job, some of the Knights do work as farriers. All are skilled horsemen – when a film or television production company hires them, they hire people who are going to have horses and kit ready to get the job done.

"We're pretty self-sufficient with how we carry on," Mark said. "A lot of it is people's time and personal expense."

Appearing on screen isn't anything new for the Knights – in their 40-year history, they've appeared in a handful of films and quite a bit more television, most recently including the new BBC production of Merlin. The rest of their CV includes some obvious choices (By The Sword Divided, Prisoner Of Zenda) and less obvious ones (Boon, Emmerdale, Emu's World).

"Central Studios was a big influence for us when they were in full bloom," Mark said.

The work got a bit slower without Central, but by then the Knights had built a reputation.

"We do get asked to do quite a few bits and pieces."

In addition to the film and television shooting and participating in medieval shows and pageants all over, the Knights have travelled the world as jousting competition champions. These are skilled horsemen who think nothing of jumping on a trusty steed, aiming a long stick at the opposition, and riding headlong for glory.

And they've become go-to knights for the city. They put on many shows at the castle and have even developed a relationship with Castle Rock Brewery. (Note: this relationship involves promotion and sponsorship, not consumption of Castle Rock products before jousting.)

"Castle Rock is a great export from Nottingham," Mark said, adding that the Knights look for different ways "to help literally to put Nottingham on the map" and highlight the good that's coming out of the city.

That said, the Knights aren't big self-promoters.

"Sometimes we don't big-up enough of what we do," he said. "But that's generally because we've got quite a relaxed attitude within the troupe. We're not doing this to make money. We're doing it because we enjoy doing it."

For information on the Knights and where they're performing this summer, visit www.knightsofnottingham.com.