IT WAS a step back to medieval times at Portchester Castle as visitors were greeted with jousting knights and falconry displays over the weekend.

Ferocious combat between knights on horseback proved a great spectator sport as crowds gathered to take part in a recreation of a Grand Medieval Tournament.

Portchester Castle proved the perfect back ground for the two-day event as crowds were wowed with archery demonstrations and falconry displays along with the jousting.

The medieval tournament had originally been planned for the Easter weekend but due to foot-and-mouth restrictions on the movement of horses the event had to be postponed.

Organiser Mo Smith said: "It's great to finally have the tournament here at last after it had to be cancelled last time.

"It is probably the biggest one we have staged.

"Usually we struggle to find events that fill the castle but this one has taken up almost all of our grounds."

More than 200 actors were taking part in the tournament that also featured medieval soldiers battling with swords and axes.

Mo said: "There has been a terrific atmosphere here, tents have been erected within the castle walls so it looks quite authentic and with musicians playing instruments from the time as well the whole thing looks really great."