A FULL scale replica of a Roman artillery catapult attracted hundreds of people to an ancient fort at the weekend.

Visitors to Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, were transported back thousands of years at the event, which featured live combat and archery.

Expert cavalryman Barbaratus was on hand with his trusty steed Blue to demonstrate ancient fighting skills and artisans and craftspeople showcased their wares in a tented street market at the annual Roman Festival.

Guided tours of the new excavations were also available, run by Durham County Council’s archaeology section and supported by archaeologists from Durham University and volunteers from the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland.

For more information at Binchester Roman Fort visit durham.gov.uk/binchester