A VIOLENT period of history was brought back to life at the weekend as the Vikings returned to the region.

In east Cleveland, visitors to the Kirkleatham Old Hall Museum, Redcar, were invited to step back in time as re-enactment group Anmod Dracan demonstrated weaving, bone carving, pewter casting and shoe-making.

The event rounded off a week of themed activities for the schools' half-term holiday, but the museum's Viking exhibition will run until March 17, and is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

More information about the exhibition is available on (01642) 479500.

The Vikings also journeyed to York on Saturday when voyagers from Norway, France and Ireland sailed into the city for the finale of this year's Jorvik Festival.

The boats, modelled on the Viking longships, thrilled the crowds with races along the River Ouse.

Viking forces then marched through the city before recreating a clash of weapons at the Eye of York.

The carnival ended with a torch-lit procession and floodlit battle in the shadow of Clifford's Tower.