MORE than 500 wargames and model enthusiasts took part in one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind in the North over the weekend.

Fans of military models recreated famous battles through the ages in miniature at the show, held at the Stockton Sports Centre.

More than 35 retailers of large models and wargames, from as far afield as Scotland, ran stalls, while clubs demonstrated their model battle skills.

Members of the Northern Re-enactment Society dressed in costume to give demonstrations of armour through the ages, from medieval times to the Second World War, as well as showing historical skills and crafts.

The exhibition has been running for 20 years, having been started in 1981 as a one-off celebration of the International Year of the Disabled.

It was started by two physically disabled wargame and model enthusiasts, David Clemmet and Thomas Davidson, who have organised the event every year since, with all proceeds going to Mobility International's Teesside branch.

Mr Clemmet, who has been involved with Mobility International for more than 20 years, said: "This year's event is at least five times as big as the first one we held in 1981.

"War games and model-making clubs from all over the North and the Midlands and some even from Scotland have come to the event.

"The Northern Re-enactment Society have done a living history display for us this year. It is the first time we have included anything like this in the event, and it has been well received."