A COUNTY Durham town will be transported back in time next week for its 43rd Medieval Fair.

The popular event, on Saturday, May 18, is expected to attract thousands of people to Sedgefield, where they will find a variety of traditional entertainment.

Medieval combat, historic crafts, tug-of-war, country dancing, birds of prey, fancy dress competitions and a ducking stool are just some of the festivities that will be on offer on the town green and in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall.

Youngsters will be treated to a bouncy castle, bucking bronco and Punch and Judy show.

The fun will begin at 9.45am with a walking parade around the green. At the end, the May Queen, eight-year-old Lucy Edwards, will be presented with a special cup.

The fair, which is organised by Sedgefield Community Association (SCA) and sponsored by Sainsbury’s, will continue until around 3.30pm.

Wendy Gill, of SCA, said: “Hopefully we will have good weather as last year it was very wet, which put some people off.

“The Medieval Fair is very popular and we find people from outside the area put the date in their diaries and come back again and again.”

SCA is looking for volunteers to help on the day and anyone who is interested is asked to contact Mrs Gill on 01740-620206.

Donations of groceries, toys, books and bric-a-brac are also sought and can be dropped off at Ceddesfeld Hall after 7.30pm from May 13 to 16.

Clothes, shoes, bikes, furniture and large electrical equipment cannot be accepted.