A major new BBC drama series starring an actor from the Fylde coast is being screened from this weekend.

Jonas Armstrong who grew up in St Annes is playing the title role in the series Robin Hood.

The new version of the classic story provides fun, action and a sophisticated touch to appeal to a modern audience.

In this 13-part series, Robin is a nobleman - Robin of Locksley - who returns with honours from the Holy Land with a new perspective on fairness and the value of human life.

In the role the former Arnold School pupil will not be wearing tights while depicting his character as a clever, idealistic, arrogant, yet selfless man, with a dry sense of humour.

His character is heroic and a little battle-weary, undaunted by authority, and sometimes outrageously bold.

It is a prestigious role for Jonas whose previous screen credits include the Channel 4 series's Teachers and The Ghost Squad.

Stage highlights include Rutherford and Son, The Skin of Our Teeth and Quartermaine's Terms.

As Robin Hood the Irish-born thespian follows in the footsteps of Errol Flynn and Kevin Costner by starring as legendary outlaw, Robin Hood.

The former Royal Academy of Dramatic Art student allegedly fought off competition from the likes of Shameless star, James McAvoy, for the much-coveted role.

Even pop legend Robbie Williams was tentatively linked with a part in the new adaption, to be written and produced by Dominic Minghella, brother of Oscar-winning director, Anthony Minghella.

Filming took place in Hungary, with the woods around Budapest standing in for Sherwood Forest.

The series is being made by Tiger Aspect Productions, the company behind the hit BBC series, Hotel on Sea, a behind-the-scenes look at Blackpool's President Hotel.

It is the first major TV adaption of the Robin Hood story since then 1980s ITV hit, Robin of Sherwood. The tale has also inspired feature films from 1980s Robin Hood and his Merry Men' to 1991's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The series starts at 7.05pm on BBC1 on Saturday.

9:44am Thursday 5th October 2006