THE peace and quiet of the English countryside will be shattered by the sound of gunfire later this month - but all in the name of a good cause.

A North-East village is to be transformed into a battle- ground when enthusiasts re-enact scenes from the Second World War and the American Civil War to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice.

Organisers are hoping the event will attract thousands of visitors from across the region.

They will gather in Middleton Village, near Spennymoor, County Durham, for what is billed as one of the largest ever battle re-enactments.

Organisers have lined up two big battle scenes for visitors to the village on August 14.

And when the smoke of battle clears there will be many other historical attractions to keep families interested.

Organisers promise side shows, displays by the Territorial Army, a "fashion on the ration" display of period costumes and afternoon dances to 1940s music.

There will also be vehicles and soldiers depicting both periods as well as a marquee selling real-ale.

The day's entertainment will be followed by a 1940s dance with a 16-piece live Glenn Miller-style band.

Councillor Jill Hilditch, who is one of the organisers together with husband Paul, said that she was hoping the event would also catch the imagination of the younger generation and encourage more people to take part in battle re-enactments.

She said: "We have been into the schools with our costumes and taken the children through drills and answered all their questions and they loved it.

"It went down very well with the teachers as well.''

It is also hoped that Second World War veterans will come along to take part in a parade.

Tickets for the event are available from at The Ship Inn, Middlestone Village, or by contacting The Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, (01388) 603003.