WARGAMES enthusiasts from all over the world pitted their skills against each other at the annual Attack! show in Devizes.

Organisers said attendance was up on last year, with about 800 people there on Saturday and another 400 on Sunday.

Torrential rain on the first day did not deter combatants, although a lightning strike caused power to fail for a few seconds and the fire alarms rang until they were reset.

The event, organised by Devizes and District Wargames Group at Devizes School, is in its 35th year.

There were 20 miniature participation games, covering eras including the Romans, sci-fi, the two world wars, six competition games and 36 traders.

On Sunday, First World War living history enthusiasts dressed as an Army captain and nurse attended, while Saturday had English Civil War devotees.

Philip Mackie, of Devizes and District Wargames Group, said: “The show and hobby of wargames have a growing worldwide popularity amongst people of all ages, as a creative alternative to online games.

“At Attack! there were competitors from France, Belgium and New Zealand and all parts of the UK.”

The club held two raffles. A total of £400 was raised for the 1st Devizes Scout Group and the British Heart Foundation. They were chosen because the club meets at the Scout Hall in Southbroom Road and the Scouts want to refurbish the hall, and a number of club members have suffered from heart disease.

Wiltshire SSAFA will benefit from £275 raised in the second raffle.