A view of life when town was called Essetsford

Fearsome raiders and brave warriors from the Dark Ages descended on the town centre to bring history back to life.

The Viking and Saxon Re-enactment group set up camp in the Church Yard opposite Ashford Museum to remind visitors of Ashford’s ancient past.

Exhibits included the kind of utensils and tools that would have been used when the town was known as Essetsford. Visitors had the chance to grind corn and fire longbows and crossbows.

Meanwhile, the Viking warriors displayed their war shields, armour and terrifying battle axes.

Actors taking part were Colin Johnson, Christine Green, Paul Wood, Sue Turner, Shaun Ainsworth, Jane Richardson, Denise Johnson and her great-granddaughter Molly Anderson.

They are part of The Vikings, Britain’s largest Dark Ages re-enactment group, for more information visit www. vikingsonline.org.

Ashford Museum is now open until October and is free between 11am and 2pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Visit www.ashfordmuseum.org.uk

FM4734882/FM4734895 Christine Green (above) and Sue Turner at the Saxons and Vikings reinactment day

FM4734865 Paul Wood, Jane Richardson and Shaun Ainsworth

FM4734869 Denise Johnson with her great-granddaughter Molly Anderson, three

FM4734877 Re-enactment actor Colin Johnson