Thousands of people filled Monkton Park in Chippenham on Sunday night, May 5, for a Viking battle and the burning of a longboat on the River Avon.

Crowds lined the banks of the river to watch the spectacle, the climax of a three-day Viking extravaganza.

Chippenham mayor, Cllr Barbie Dawson said: "It was fabulous. It was well-attended and well-organised, and the Chippenham Sea Cadets built a brilliant replica ship."

The Viking Weekend, organised by Emma King, Chippenham Town Council's events and promotion officer, brought to life a turbulent period of the town's history. In the 9th century, Guthrum the Dane seized the town and the Saxon King Alfred was forced to flee to the Somerset levels.

More than 100 members of the historical re-enactment group Regia Anglorum staged the event, demonstrating crafts, cooking and hunting skills from the Viking era.

Other attractions included a series of displays: warriors at training, archery, horseriding and the arming of a Gneat a knight.

On Sunday night, a re-enacted battle culminated in the burning of the long boat, which was set alight by flaming arrows.

Ms King said: "It was fantastic. I was over the moon. The event captured everyone's imaginations. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting it."

Ms King said Regia Anglorum enjoyed the weekend and praised the setting and the long boat replica.

"They said in all the ship burnings they have attended, they have never seen such a boat.

"Usually one turns up on the back of a lorry. They were blown away to see this one rowed down the river. They said they liked coming to Chippenham and they want to come back!"

A Viking fancy dress competition attracted 24 entries and was judged by Gary Lawrence, editor of the Wiltshire Times' sister paper, the Gazette & Herald and Heritage Centre manager Mike Stone.

It was won by seven-year-old Alex Waterhouse, from Hardens Close.