VISITORS to an ancient landmark church in a field off the A19 are to be given a taste of what life was like in the Middle Ages.

St Mary the Virgin Church at Leake, near Thirsk, will host a Medieval Festival on Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, with attractions including games, such as quoits with horseshoes, skittles and bat-the-rat, medieval knight Alan of York and crafts from the period.

Alongside features of the church's history being highlighted, visitors will be invited to sample medieval foods such as Bishop's Cake and All Soul's Biscuits, possets, honey, fruit puddings and church ale, which was historically produced to raise funds for the church.

The free entry event, which is being held as part of the Jorvik Medieval Festival, aims to raise funds for the church through sales of the produce, which dates to Norman times.

Other events in the festival include a medieval fair at St Mary and St Akelda Church, Middleham, on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, and events at St Mary's Church, Thirsk, from Saturday, August 22 to Saturday, September 5 and St Hilda's Church, Ampleforth, on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23.

For details, visit jorvikmedievalfestival.com