MOVIE lovers watching Robin Hood riding through the glen this week may not know it, but they will be seeing a little piece of Cheltenham on the big screen.

Fabric shop owners Catherine Shinn and her husband Andrew have provided many of the materials for the Blockbuster.

Together the textile experts have made several flags, banners and tapestries using historical designs, which will grace the screen alongside star Russell Crowe.

Catherine, who is a fifth generation seamstress, said: "It's a lot of hard work but we're really looking forward to watching the film.

"Unfortunately we don't get to go to the premiere but it will still be exciting for us."

The film, directed by Ridley Scott, has its premiere in Cannes this week and is the latest reworking of the popular folk tale involving the Nottingham rebel.

It is not the first time the couple have been commissioned by the renowned director's production team or other big names including the late Anthony Minghella.

They have also provided material for blockbuster Gladiator, historical action movie Kingdom of Heaven and romantic drama The English Patient.

Catherine, whose shop Catherine Shinn Decorative Textiles is based in Well Walk, said: "Often we make the pieces and they're sent away to be aged so that they fit into whatever scene they're in.

"We usually get a call from one of the production assistants, who puts in the request, and we have to make sure the designs are historically accurate before a courier comes to pick them up."

In the new version of the film, Robin Longstride, played by Crowe, is in the army of Richard the Lionheart and heads back to England after the King dies in France.

The film shows him travel to Nottingham, a town suffering from corruption and terrible taxation, where he falls for the spirited Lady Marian, played by Cate Blanchett.

When French troops led by a traitorous British noble invade, he assembles an army to combat the threat.

Catherine, who is hoping her daughter Emily will follow in her footsteps into the world of textiles, said: "It's always good to see your handiwork on the screen.

"It can be heartbreaking when you send it off beautiful and new and you see it with rips in following a battle so that everything is authentic."

The new movie follows several portrayals of the archer who robbed the rich to give to the poor by Hollywood stars, including Sean Connery and Kevin Costner.

Robin Hood will come out in France on the first day of the Cannes Festival on Wednesday, two days before its worldwide release.