Forest's £50m bid is shortlisted

The project would revitalise the Robin Hood visitor's centre

A bid to win £50m of lottery funding to transform the heart of Sherwood Forest has moved a step closer.

The county council has been shortlisted by the Big Lottery Fund for its Living Landmark Award.

The tourist attraction could win up to £50m in funding as part of the award, which will culminate in a televised public vote in 2007.

Plans include a state-of-the-art conference, educational and visitor centre at Edwinstowe in Notts.

Other plans for the attraction include raised tree top walkways and a discovery centre.

Officials also want to plant more trees and extend existing cycle routes.