THEY fought hard, but the small group of Union soldiers were vastly outnumbered by the Confederates when the two sides clashed on County Durham farmland.

After a fierce battle on the outskirts of Middlestone village, near Spennymoor, the Confederate Greys recorded a landmark victory in a re-enactment of a battle from the American Civil War.

But the battalion did not escape unscathed. Among the noticeable casualties of Saturday's contest was a Confederate deserter, who took flight during the height of the fighting only to be shot by his own side at the end of the conflict.

Half an hour later the village, which was hosting a battle re-enactment day in aid of The Butterwick Hospice, was the scene of more bitter fighting, featuring a Second World War battle.

Organisers from the 43rd North Carolina and 2nd Wisconsin Re-enactment groups said the event was one of the biggest re-enactment days ever held in the region and is expected to become an annual event.

To ensure the re-enactment was authentic, the history enthusiasts stayed in 1860s-style camps the night before they went to war and dressed in costumes typical of the period.

There were also firing and flag displays, a bayonet drill and evening entertainment.

Glenn Gibson, of the 43rd North Carolinas and sergeant major of the Confederate Army on Saturday, said: "This is a big event for the groups, to keep history alive and importantly to raise money for a good cause."