VISITORS were confronted by pirates taking part in a fierce battle at Hartlepool Historic Quay at the weekend.

More than 100 re-enactors from the Northern Re-enactment Society and the Napoleonic Society from Nottingham brought the tourist attraction to life and took part in close-quarter battles.

The pirates, who captured a British frigate and sailed it into the town to loot the quay, caused havoc before the arrival of a French landing force.

The local militia then took on the pirates before being outnumbered by the French.

But a British commando raid was then organised to recapture the Quay and the ship.

As the battle intensified, musket sword and pike fights took place around the Quay and HMS Trincomalee.

Pirates, smugglers and sailors also set out to terrify the locals in Hartlepool's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

For more information about the Historic Quay call (01429) 860006.