A BLACKSMITH undertook the role of medieval armourer to create 16 swords for a theatre company’s summer play.

Teesdale blacksmith and metal worker, Cyril Pattison, created the replica weapons for the Barnard Castle-based Castle Players’ group’s performances of Shakespeare’s Henry V.

Director Laurence Sach said: “Weaponry plays a key part in the play and these swords certainly look the part.”

Mr Pattison, who has been a blacksmith for 57 years, said: “The swords were another new challenge and I hope they’ll contribute to the success of the production.”

Henry V runs from Tuesday, July 5 to Saturday, July 9, in the grounds of the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

Tickets are on sale at The Witham box office, online at castleplayers.co.uk or call 01833-631107.