ARMY medics who have recently returned from Iraq claimed a famous victory this weekend.

Members of the Normandy Band, who double as field hospital staff in times of crisis, claimed victory in the Richmond Festival It's a Knockout tournament on Sunday, beating off stiff competition from ten other teams.

And another medical team came out on top at the conclusion of Saturday's tournament when staff from St John Ambulance took the overall honours.

Richmond Scouts organise the annual event as part of the Richmond Festival.

Spokesman Mike McGarry said: "Everyone got very wet but the teams competed without any serious injury. The number of entries was good. It was a great weekend."

Richmond Festival, which also includes music, drama, and the popular Sheep on Show competition, finished on Sunday night with the auction of the cardboard cutout sheep which have been in shop windows in the past weeks.

Mayor Stuart Parsons said: "It's been fantastic. The town has been really vibrant, and everyone is delighted." Money raised through the festival will be spent on improving music facilities at primary schools in Richmond.