A RE-ENACTMENT group will be recreating naval history during the national Trafalgar celebrations at the weekend.

The Northern Historic re-enactment group will descend on Hartlepool's Maritime Experience - made up of the Historic Quay, HMS Trincomalee and the Museum of Hartlepool - next Saturday and Sunday, giving visitors the chance to experience the sights, sounds and drama of maritime life 200 years ago.

Among the activities being recreated over the weekend will be public floggings for men who refuse to take the King's shilling, auctioning members of the public and slaves for high prices, public hangings and weaponry demonstrations.

Members of the group have appeared in Trafalgar events across the country, and some feature in the new Pride and Prejudice film. One member is advising on the new Sharpe television series being filmed in India.

At noon on Sunday at the Historic Quay there will be a wreath-laying ceremony on the water to remember the men who gave their lives at Trafalgar.

Claire Munroe, of Hartlepool Borough Council's arts, museums and events service, said: "If you want to experience what maritime and seaport life was really like in Nelson's day, then Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is the place for you."