FALCONRY, chivalry and Punch and Judy were among the attractions at a medieval fair yesterday.

Hundreds of people visited the 40th annual medieval fair, in Sedgefield, which took place on the village green and in the Ceddesfeld Hall.

Visitors were entertained by Morris dancers, a tug-of-war competition involving several local community groups, country dancing from Sedgefield Primary School pupils, stalls, including Rosa Mundi medieval crafts, and activities for children.

The yearly event raises money for the Sedgefield Community Association, which uses the Grade II-listed Ceddesfeld Hall as its headquarters.

Wendy Gill, chairwoman of the fair committee, said: "The fair takes place to raise money towards the upkeep of the building, which can be expensive to maintain.

"Yesterday’s event was excellent, there were a lot of people there. "Everything went very well and the rain stayed away, which always helps."

This year’s flower queen was Sophie Thompson, ten, who led the parade in a carriage with her attendants, Kelsey Fox, six, and Sophie Evans, seven.