PEOPLE in Hartlepool took a step back in time to sample 12th Century entertainment on Saturday.

The event was organised by the Hartlepool Headland Historical and Cultural Trust and included mock hand-to-hand combat, falconry and archery displays, along with entertainers, stalls and pig roasts to keep the crowds entertained.

The day's events concluded with an authentic Medieval-style feast, with entertainment held in the Borough Hall in the evening.

Kevin Kelly, spokesman for the trust, said the inaugural event should have attracted large numbers of visitors to the area.

He said: "It is important that this event is successful because we are in the process of developing, together with Hartlepool Borough Council, a similar event for the year 2001.

"2001 is the 800th year of the granting of the King John Charter to the town and we need a magnificent spectacle to culminate the year of celebrations.