PEOPLE stepped back in time at the weekend for a feast of fun at a medieval fair.

The two-day extravaganza took place in the area surrounding Middlegate and St Hilda's Church, in Hartlepool's Headland area, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the town's royal charter by King John.

The event, which was organised by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with a range of local organisations and community groups, featured knights doing battle, falconry displays, a medieval market, a magician, street theatre, live music, minstrels and a hog roast.

A young boy had to be rescued and treated in hospital after he became trapped under one of the fair attractions and was pierced by nails.

Firefighters from Stranton attended the incident at Middlegate.

The boy, who was thought to be either ten or 11 years old, was playing at one of the stands, when a wooden ship fell on him.

Passers-by managed to get the ship off the boy and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.