A virtual Robin Hood will tell visitors about the history of Sherwood Forest under new plans to trial 5G.

Nottinghamshire County Council will use new cutting-edge apps to transform the visitor experience, while new robotic environmental management will be tested to see how the site can best be preserved.

The project is part of a £35m funding pot from the Government to help unlock the potential of 5G.

Cllr Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: ‘This project will be front and centre of retelling the story of Robin Hood to future generations. It will be situated in the ancient royal forest of Sherwood, which has been wooded since the end of the last Glacial Period. There is no better opportunity to trial 5G in a forest setting anywhere else in the UK – not just for the area’s geography, but for its rich and fascinating history.

’I see this project as the start of a journey that will truly see Nottinghamshire on the regional, national and international tourism and environment management maps; as well as providing us with the opportunity to build the digital skills and opportunities of our residents and businesses.’

Other successful projects include 5G trials in air and sea search and rescue in Dorset and research into how 5G can support health and social care services in Worcestershire.

Cllr Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: 'Worcestershire County Council are delighted to have been successful in leading a bid which will investigate the positive impacts that emerging 5G technologies could have on rural communities, around how 5G networks can be built and their use in supporting health and social care services.

'The project highlights the huge joint ambitions of the innovative public and private sector partners we have drawn together, as we strive to find ways to improve connectivity and provide access to key services in rural areas.'