Television wildlife presenter Mike Dilger returned to Edwinstowe to help officially launch the new £5.3m Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

Mike, a naturalist who regularly features on The One Show, began his conservation career in Nottinghamshire, working for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Around 200 people looked on as the Major Oak Pop Choir sang songs to welcome guests.

Mike said: “I put up a fence around the Major Oak, so it’s a location close to my heart.”

Nottinghamshire County Council leader, Coun Kay Cutts, said: “The opening is a proud moment.”

Robin Hood, aka Ade Andrews, VisitEngland ambassador, said: “It is about time Robin Hood was put on the pedestal he deserves.”

The facility, which cost more than £5, and the nature reserve are managed by an RSPB-led partnership, which includes Sherwood Forest Trust, Thoresby Estate and the Woodland Trust, working together with the county council, which provided £4m towards the cost of the project.

Pictured outside the officially opened Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre are: BBC One Show’s Mike Dilger, TV’s Phil Rose (aka Friar Tuck), county council Vice Chairman Coun Kevin Rostance, Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Coun Kay Cutts MBE, Coun John Cottee, Ade Andrews (Robin Hood), Notts Vice Lord-Lieutenant Tim Richmond OBE and Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive.