Watch Brian’s video supporting Sherwood at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk/projects/sherwood

You’ll be able to see our 15-minute project documentary featuring Brian Blessed on Wednesday December 5th (subject to ITV scheduling)

The son of a South Yorkshire miner, Brian grew up just 20 miles away from Sherwood and visited often as a child.

Brian recalls:

“I can remember as a youngster living in South Yorkshire spending many happy days cycling down to Sherwood and exploring the Forest’s great oaks. We must ensure that future generations have that same opportunity to value and appreciate and enjoy this magnificent old forest.”

Brian’s many television roles include; PC Fancy Smith in Z Cars, Porthos in The Three Musketeers and Richard IV in Black Adder. On the big screen Brian is perhaps best known for playing Vultan in the ever popular Flash Gordon, Lord Locksley in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner and more recently Boss Nass in George Lucas’ Star Wars – The Phantom Menace.

Brian also has a thriving career as a best-selling author. He has written five books including Blessed Everest, an inspiring abbreviated history of Everest.

“All our forests are important but none more so than Sherwood.  So much of our country’s heritage, the essence of our people, our culture, our history is bound up in Sherwood through the legend of Robin Hood. We really should treat this once mighty forest and its ancient oaks with the respect and awe that it deserves,” says Brian.

Faye Booker, Strategic Director for Sherwood: the Living Legend, said:

“I met Brian in September when he came along to do some filming. He’d agreed with great enthusiasm to front Sherwood Forest’s proposal for £50m of BIG lottery funding.

“He’s such a larger than life character. He has a genuine affection for Sherwood. He has an amazing presence – and that voice is just so instantly recognisable. We decided if the Major Oak could speak it would sound just like Brian Blessed – loud, noble and quintessentially English.”

To pledge your support to Sherwood: the Living Legend and receive details of how to vote text Robin to 81025 (standard network rates) or register at www.robinhood.co.uk.

On-line voting starts at 9am on Monday 26th November 2007, for more information visit www.thepeoples50million.org.uk