VIKINGS will again descend on Burnsall later this summer.

The village is organising its second Viking Festival following a successful inaugural event in 2004.

Most of the action will take place on Sunday September 9, although locals will get a taste of Viking life with an authentic feast the previous evening.

Sunday's fun - which is open to all - will include leg wrestling, sword fights, a service at St Wilfrid's Church and a race between Welsh cobles (small fishing boats), manned by local rugby stars.

And the finale is expected to be a ceremonial burning of a wicker man, created by local schoolchildren.

It is the organisers' intention to broadly follow the format of the 2004 event, but with additional attractions, such as live theatre.

The committee is currently seeking additional financial support as the cost of providing the various events has increased.