AN expert in the legend of Robin Hood is advising Americans how to celebrate the life of the Notts hero.
Enthusiast Ralph Needham, 66, from Mapperley, has played fictitious character Sir Ralph of Epperstone for the last 20 years at Notts' own Robin Hood Festival.
The interest from across the Atlantic has been prompted by Notts County Council, which set up a Facebook page to promote the local festival.
The site has around 500 "likes," where people signal their approval of the site online, with a lot of interest coming from America, particular fellow Robin Hood fans from the Robin Hood Festival of Sherwood Oregon.
That festival is being held for the 60th time this year in Oregon form July 19 to 20.
One message from the Robin Hood Festival of Sherwood Oregon reads: "Trying to recall what Robin Hood died of. Was he killed by a witch?"
In reply Mr Needham revealed the accepted version of the legend, which says that the folk hero was killed by his cousin Elizabeth de'Staynton.
Now in its 29th year, the Notts festival will feature a mixture of Robin Hood and fictitious medieval characters, who will be on hand to tell people about the legend.
Mr Needham's character, a medieval medic, is particularly interested in telling visitors how Robin Hood met his end, according to the legend.
He said: "I love history, it was my top subject at school.
"I do believe Robin Hood existed and I love the legend. He comes off as a popular hero fighting against oppression."
Sir Ralph of Epperstone will be walking around at the festival telling people about real medieval cures.
He added: "I am a Notts lad and I have always been interested in anything local. Everything I tell people I have researched. I am just quoting what has been quoted for hundreds of years."
The Notts Robin Hood Festival will take place at Sherwood Forest between Monday, August 5, and Sunday, August 11.
It features an action packed programme of activities, with last year's festival attracting over 25,000 people.
For more details about the festival visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk.robinhood. or go to the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/robinhoodfestival.
