THOUSANDS of people flooded into Chippenham on Sunday night for a spectacular Viking battle and the burning of a long ship on the River Avon.

Crowds lined the banks of the river at Monkton Park and gathered on the hill for an elevated view of the dramatic ship-burning, as twilight fell.

The recreation of a Viking warrior's fiery funeral was the highlight of the three-day Viking extravaganza. "It was fabulous," said the Mayor of Chippenham, Coun Barbie Dawson.

"It was well attended and well organised, and the Chippenham Sea Cadets built a brilliant replica ship."

The Viking weekend brought to life a turbulent period of Chippenham's history at the tail end of the ninth century AD, when Guthrum the Dane seized the town and the Saxon King Alfred was forced to flee to the Somerset levels.

But Chippenham belonged to the Vikings only from January to Easter, when Alfred was victorious at the Battle of Edington, finally driving the Danes from the town.

The weekend's event was organised by Emma King, Chippenham Town Council's events and promotion officer, to celebrate the town's history, as well as the beautiful river setting.

Historical re-enactment group Regia Anglorum attended the event, with around 100 members in costume to recreate the lives and times of the Vikings and Saxons.

They set up replica tents in the living history village, and visitors could step back in time to see how the Vikings lived.

Regia Anglorum members demonstrated what people of the Viking era would wear, as well as crafts such as spinning and metalwork, and the everyday cooking and hunting skills.

In the events arena the re-enactors undertook a series of displays, such as warriors at training, archery, horse-riding and the arming of a Gneat a knight.

In the afternoon the battle took place, complete with a music soundtrack and commentary.

After the battle youngsters took the opportunity to talk to the Vikings about the performance, their weapons and armour.

On Sunday night, the battle culminated in the slaying of an important warrior.

He was carried from the field by his comrades-in-arms.

A procession of Vikings bearing torches descended the hill to the River Avon, and the boatman carried the body to the long ship, moored in midstream.

The crowds lined the banks either side of the river to witness the spectacle, as the Vikings fired flaming arrows across the darkening waters to the ship.

A cheer rose up when the first arrow landed in the boat and quickly the flames took hold.

The atmosphere heightened as the flames tore through the red and white striped sail and ate into the ribs of the boat, reflecting brightly in the black water.

"It was fantastic," said Ms King. "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 had enjoyed the weekend and praised the setting, and the marvellous long boat replica.

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

"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."

The Viking fancy dress competition for youngsters attracted 24 entries.

The competition was judged by Gazette editor Gary Lawrence and Heritage Centre manager Mike Stone.

The overall winner was Alex Waterhouse, aged seven, from Hardens Close, Chippenham.

Rebecca Sharpe, nine, of Wyndham Close, was second, Kieran Love, eight, of Rowden Road, was third, with four-year-old Grace Lavelle, from Plantation Road, in fourth place.