THE clash of swords, the sound of artillery and the spectacular sight of charging cavalry will take the village of Ripple back to the days of the Civil War this weekend.

More than 200 soldiers, Royalists and Parliamentarians, will 'fight' the Battle of Ripple. In full costume and fully armed with frighteningly realistic weapons members of local Sealed Knot groups will act out the events of 1643.

In April that year a battle with a death toll of more than 500 took place on Green Hill, in Ripple, near Upton.

It won't matter how good a 'fight' the Parliamentarians put up because the history books tell us that the overwhelming might of the Royalist army won the day and the re-enactors can't change history.

Members of the public can be transported back in time to watch history take place by attending the event on Sunday, October 9.

"It's very impressive to watch, especially the charging cavalry," said Dorothy Marchant, one of the organisers.

Captaine Charles Fox's Company, of the King's Lifeguard Regiment of Foote, is one local company taking part.

Company officer Paul Stanley said: "We haven't done anything for a few weeks so we're looking forward to getting back into it again. It's one of the last battles of the season".

Before the event re-enactors will attend a church service at Ripple Church in memory of Sealed Knot founder, Brigadier Peter Young, who lived at Ripple.

A colourful parade of troops from the church car park to Green Hill, the original site of the battle follows at 2pm and the battle starts at 2.30pm.

Entrance to the battle costs £3 and under 14s are free. There will be a beer tent, refreshments and ice-creams. All proceeds will go towards the Parish Hall Refurbishment Programme.

Anyone interested in joining Captaine Charles Fox's Company can contact Mr Stanley on 01684 564294.