A HORDE of Vikings has once again invaded the North-East for a weekend of sword fights, raids and deadly battles.

Hundreds of armour-clad, spear-wielding warriors have set up camp at Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island in Northumberland.

They will be taking part in a series of Norse re-enactments to bring early medieval warfare to life.

The event, which has attracted visitors from across the country, will include displays of armour, raid demonstrations, sword battles and warrior training.

Visitors can walk through a "Living History" camp, which shows the highs and lows of Viking life.

They will also get the chance to see the ancient Viking Raiders stone, which represents the Norse army's brutal raids on the heritage site in AD 793.

A replica of the stone is currently on display at the Priory museum with the original forming part of the Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham Cathedral.

Jon Hogan, an English Heritage events manager, said: "This year is actually the 1220th anniversary of the first raid of the Vikings into the country.

"They landed upon a defenceless and surprised Holy Island community and wielded destruction everywhere.

"A dramatic moment in history truly happened here and walking through the tented camps, taking in the daily life of the Vikings and seeing some impressive demonstrations, makes for a great weekend.

“It’s one of the most exciting events on the Lindisfarne calendar."

Viking invaders ransacked Lindisfarne Priory's Abbey and brutally slayed the monks who lived there during their raid and returned a year later to battle locals at Jarrow and Monkwearmouth.

The event, branded "Viking Raiders", is dependent on tide times, as Holy Island is only accessible via the causeway at low tide.

For more information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne