CENTURIES-OLD bloody battles were brought to life yesterday as a military encampment was set up in a rural village.

Parliamentarians and Royalists gathered in Manfield, near Darlington, to revive the conflicts of the English Civil War.

The event was staged by 200 members of the Sealed Knot, with the battle re-enactments watched by enthusiastic crowds.

The organisation was in the village throughout the weekend, playing out skirmishes and providing an education living history display.

Peter Hynes, landlord of The Crown pub, which sponsored the event, said: "They have been here before and were made so welcome that they wanted to come back again."