FROM ancient Greeks to Second World War soldiers, history has been brought to life at Spetchley Park gardens this weekend.

The M5 Living History Show will see 500 re-enactors bring back to the future thousands of years of civilisation today and tomorrow.

Visitors of all ages can attend the two-day event to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of war-time through the centuries, all set against the backdrop of Spetchley House.

Those who make it past the Berlin 1946 allied and Russian security checkpoint are free to roam through corridors of time.

Along the way, they will be greeted by guilded varangian guards from the 13th Century, steadfast soldiers from the American and English civil wars and vicious viking warriors, among other military men and women from bygone days.

Troops will battle it out on the estate's fields, while entertainment including magic lantern shows and 40s music will play out on the village green.

Brian Bullock, event organiser, said the show was popular with history buffs and novices alike.

He said: “This is the seventh year we’ve held an event at Spetchley. We started off as the Armoured Picnic in October. We had a good response and Henry Berkeley was looking to bring it into the summer.

“This is the third or fourth year now we’ve done at this time of year and it just keeps growing.

“We have 500 re-enactors here over the weekend who are camping in period and doing everything in period, from ancient Greece to the Second World War.

“It’s our hobby. Other people collect stamps and some make model railways - we live history. It’s something we enjoy.

“You don’t have to be an historian to be a re-enactor and the show is a great way to introduce the next generation to our past.”

The show takes place from 10am to 5pm on both days. Admission costs £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.