Ref. 72770-59CIVIL War broke out in a village near Swindon as residents indulged in their local history.

People dressed up in period costume to re-enact days gone by in Hinton Parva.

As well as staging Civil War on Saturday, a Victorian day was held yesterday.

Families had an insight into the history of the village thanks to a pair of archaeologists.

Fossils, ancient artefacts and even a shark's tooth were on display at the village hall over the weekend.

Local archaeologists Mogs Boon and Bernard Phillips dug up many of the finds over the last five years. And Mrs Boon said she wanted to give villagers the chance of learning more about their area.

"People are learning more about local historical facts in an interesting and light hearted manner," she said.

As part of the event, schools visited the village hall exhibition on Friday.

Mrs Boon also wrote an authentic-looking newspaper front page for each period and there was a hog roast.

The 60-year-old, who has been interested in archaeology for six years, said her hobby was like a drug.

"You keep on going because you always think the next thing you find will be really great," she said.

Mrs Boon said her best find was a Neolithic axe and that she enjoys discovering new things about Hinton Parva.

Among her theories about the area's past include the possibility that a smelting works was built in the village as lots of iron slag has been found.