COSTUMES and sets from the new Hollywood film Robin Hood can be seen at Nottingham Castle next month.

Nottingham City Council will host the official exhibition after holding talks with Universal Pictures.

Designed by a Universal set designer, it will run from next month until October in a bid to attract millions of visitors.

It will include costumes, weaponry and props. Sherwood Forest will also host a smaller display of items from the film.

More details of May's Robin Hood Month have also been revealed.

The Sheriff of Nottingham, Coun Leon Unczur said: "This is a really exciting time for the city.

"Not only will all Nottingham people be able to join in and celebrate Robin Hood and enjoy some of the amazing events, but with a spotlight shining brightly on Nottingham, we've got a unique opportunity to tell the world about the other great things that make Nottingham the place it is."

Robin Hood Month, which will include a May Day parade, has been organised by the city and county councils, along with Experience Notts and Visit Britain.

Nottingham Castle will host death-defying Robin Hood performances by jousters used in the film, medieval family activities, theatre and armour-making sessions for children.

The castle will be transformed into a medieval encampment at the end of the month so people can learn about life in the 12th Century.

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Rufford Country Park will host combat displays, archery, medieval tales, costumed characters and an archery session at the Major Oak.

A traditional May Day parade, led by Robin Hood, will march from Edwinstowe to the Major Oak.

It is hoped the Ridley Scott film, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, could bring a £46m tourism boost to the county.

Notts County Council's cabinet member for culture and community, Coun John Cottee, said: "Robin Hood is famous all around the world and it is great that the new film will add to the legend and introduce a new generation to our county's most famous son.

"Robin Hood Month will be a great opportunity for everyone in Notts to get involved and have fun. It will also attract visitors into the county which will bring real rewards to the local economy."

Castle Rock Brewery will be launching a special Robin Hood Beer and the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub will launch a menu with a Robin Hood theme.

Broadway Cinema will have a Robin Hood film season during May and the councils are appealing to other local businesses to get in touch with their ideas.

A number of the ideas came after members of the public told the Sheriff's Commission that they wanted Nottingham Castle to be used as a focal point for Robin Hood celebrations.

The Sheriff's Commission is a body of more than 40 opinion-formers formed to produce recommendations on how the city should celebrate Robin Hood.

Talks with Universal about other opportunities are ongoing.

The film is set to be released on May 14.