A statue of Robin Hood stands in the grounds of Nottingham Castle

The argument over the birthplace of Robin Hood has moved to the House of Commons - where Yorkshire MPs have pitted themselves against their opponents in Nottinghamshire.

The Yorkshire delegation has a numerical advantage in the battle - as 19 MPs are backing a motion affirming Yorkshire as the outlaw's birthplace against only four for Nottinghamshire.

The Nottinghamshire politicians say everyone knows Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest with his Merry Men.

Yorkshire born

But MP David Hinchliffe, who represents Wakefield constituency in West Yorkshire, says the records show he was born a Yorkshireman.

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The Yorkshire motion says: "In medieval times there was forest from Sherwood, through Barnsdale, nearly to Leeds."

It adds that prior to the creation of the title of Sheriff of Nottingham in 1449, the sheriffs' jurisdiction included parts of Yorkshire.

The Nottinghamshire motion counters that claim by arguing that Sherwood Forest is firmly in Nottinghamshire.

They have invited their rival Yorkshire MPs "to holiday, during parliamentary recess, in leafy Nottinghamshire, and visit Clumber Park, Major Oak and other haunts of Robin Hood and his merry men."