A HISTORIC battle that tore through Piercebridge has been commemorated with the construction of a scale model.

In December 1642, Royalist William Cavendish - the 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne – led 8,000 men south to Piercebridge to meet forces commanded by Parliamentarian Lord Fairfax.

Remembered as the Great Civil War Battle of Piercebridge, the clash between the parties saw them collide at the bridge in the village.

Last week, Darlington’s mayor, Cllr Veronica Copeland unveiled a scale model of the conflict designed and built by Piercebridge man Mark Hornsby.

The intricate construction depicts the deployment of forces and the geography of the village and its surroundings as it was on December 1 1642, the day of the battle.

Mr Hornsby said: “As a new resident of Piercebridge, I feel deeply proud to have made this model and hope it brings enjoyment to all who view it.”

The model will be displayed at Piercebridge’s church before being used at a Battlefield Trust conference and being made available for educational purposes.

On Saturday, June 9, it will take pride of place at a Great Civil War history day, taking place at St Mary’s Church from 11am until 3pm.

The event includes guided tours of the battlefield, the chance to handle replica weapons and take part in historically themed activities.

The construction of the model was supported by the River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership, a project headed by Groundwork NE & Cumbria.

Groundwork's Lucy Chapman said: “It is fantastic to see local residents taking a proactive role in promoting and celebrating the heritage of the River Tees.

“The model offers a unique insight in to one of the many varied aspects of our heritage of the river and the significant role Piercebridge played in the Civil War. It will also become a wonderful, accessible learning tool."