A horde of Vikings took to the streets of Chippenham last weekend – but they were here for peaceful reasons.

The group of 31 men make up part of Chippenham Town FC’s Norwegian supporters club, which formed after Bjorn Ove Herdal and Jan Erik Hiim found the town on a map while planning an annual canoeing trip.

The pair were drawn to the Bluebirds’ motto of ‘pride and passion’ and have been committed to the club ever since.

Club press officer Wil Hulbert said despite the team’s 16th loss since Christmas, spirits were high after the game.

“We’ve had a comment on our forum from one of the gentlemen that says ‘Thank you Chippenham for giving us a day to remember for the rest of our lives’,” he said.

“They did really enjoy the day and a lot of them want to come back in the Autumn, which would obviously be fantastic. We’re trying to get them back for the annual dragon boat races, but sadly I think that’s not going to happen as it’s a bit too soon.”

The club showed its support for stricken striker Lewis Powell, who broke his leg in a fixture against Cambridge City in January.

Powell has just embarked on a career as a personal trainer and still travels from his home in Wales to attend Chippenham’s home matches.

Mr Hulbert said: “After the game, the fans, players, management and directors alike raised around £1,000 for Lewis with a race night at the clubhouse.”

The party from Norway stayed on canal boats on the Kennet and Avon canal during its time in Wiltshire, and travelled by canoe from moorings in Bradford on Avon to the locks in Devizes on the morning of Saturday’s game.

The supporters were picked up by coach and met at the Four Seasons before marching through the centre of Chippenham to the club’s ground just over a mile away, all while wearing their own personalised CTFC shirts.