The Knights of Royal England invaded Hedingham Castle for a spectacular Bank Holiday jousting tournament.

Thousands of spectators watched the champions ride into battle in Castle Hedingham yesterday and on Sunday.

Children got the honour of climbing into the ring to practice their sword skills and families wandered the grounds of the 900-year-old keep to enjoy puppetry from the Dragons of Wye-ten Puppet Theatre Show, donkey rides and dancing.

The Norfolk Longbowmen were on hand to offer archery lessons, children learnt how to dance around a traditional May Pole and the Tudor Roses gave an entertaining history of Tudor clothing.

Jonathan de Hadleigh, the castle’s official jester, also caused his usual mayhem.

Simon Orr, general manager at the castle, said the atmosphere was "phenomenal".

He said: "The knights put on a fantastic show with lots of action, falling off horses, lances splintering on heads and fist fights - it was great fun."

The castle is now completely self-funding and all proceeds from the jousting will go towards its up-keep.