VISITORS to Whittington Castle this weekend might have felt like they had travelled back in time, with a hoard of Vikings on the scene.

The Svartland Vikings are one of the UK's top living history groups and they travelled to Whittington to put on their typically boisterous display for the locals.

The Vikings gave the gathered public various combat displays, as well as showing off typical examples of Viking living.

Sue Ellis, manager at Whittington Castle, said: "This event is a new one for the castle. The Vikings responded to an appeal we put out following the vandalism.

"They normally charge for events, but they offered their services for free.

"We're really pleased they came and helped us raise funds for the castle. The weather was better than we thought as well so plenty of people came."