REBEL barons from the North who helped force King John to guarantee freedoms will be heralded at celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Events are being planned across North Yorkshire to mark the role of the three northernmost barons - Robert de Ros, of Helmsley, William de Mowbray, of Thirsk and Richard de Percy, of Topcliffe - who became executors of the document at Runnymede on June 15, 1215.

The barons were representatives for nobles across a wide area, including Cleveland and Durham.

The charter, three editions of which are held at Durham Cathedral, is recognised throughout the English speaking world as key to development of the rule of constitutional law in England and beyond.

The celebrations, set to be held on the weekend before the milestone next year, will include a major event at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday, July 13, which organisers Thirsk Rotary Club hope will attract visitors and contributors from across the region.

Among the attractions will be up to 60 knights in armour from 12th century re-enactment group Historia Normannis performing combat displays, a Norman fashion show, medieval weapons training and shows by Darlington-based falconer Ben Potter.

It is hoped the event, which is being supported by Thirsk Town Council, will also feature archery and contributions from schools and history groups, highlighting the area's heritage related to the time.

Organisers have written to 1,000 organisations across the North inviting them to take stalls to demonstrate a host of crafts and trades, such as coin-making, from the time.

Joe Salmon, of Thirsk Rotary Club, said proceeds from the event would be donated to Herriot Hospice Homecare, young people's charity Thirsk Clock and Thirsk Community Care Association.

He said: "William de Mowbray, who was among the most powerful barons at the time, signing the Magna Carta is a really significant point in the development of the town and should be celebrated."

There are also plans to create heritage trails featuring villages around the town that existed in 1215 as well as a county-wide trail to attract groups such as auto clubs.

Organisers of the celebrations are planning to stage a picnic in Robert de Ros's castle in Helmsley and activities in the town's Market Place, and a Normandy Market in Helmsley, Thirsk and Topcliffe.

For details about stalls at Thirsk Racecourse, email tb@pfcsales.fsbusiness.co.uk