On Twelfth Night over a thousand years ago, the Saxon King Alfred was driven out of his royal stronghold in Chippenham by the Vikings - one of the town's most important stories.

Fast forward 1141 years and the event was commemorated at Chippenham Museum with a day devoted to a celebration of the Saxons and Vikings, and a chance for families to learn about life in Chippenham all those years ago.

"It was absolutely brilliant," said museum curator Melissa Barnett.

"We had over 200 people visiting. This is set to become an annual event."

Roland Williamson of Regia Anglorum, local author Geoff Hill and the historian Lucy Whitfield joined staff at the museum for the Twelfth Night event.

Regia Anglorum is a living history and re-enactment group, and Roland shared lots of information about life in Saxon times, and gave young visitors a chance to try on a warrior's helmet and check out the reconstructed weapons and cooking equipment.

Geoff, a teacher St Paul's primary school, gave readings from his series of Viking ghost stories and Lucy shared some tasty Saxon recipes, such as Saxon cheese, honey oat cakes and unleavened bread.

She also surprised youngsters when she told them people of the past drank beer rather than water - because it was better for your health than dirty water.

Little explorers enjoyed searching for Saxon teddies hidden around the museum’s two floors of galleries.

Alfred defeated Guthrum and the Danes at the Battle of Edington, before following them to their stronghold at Chippenham, where they finally surrendered.

This is the second time the museum has held the Twelfth Night event - a winter counterpart to the museum's summer Saxon extravaganza, when a tent is set up outside with lots of activities relating the the town's Saxon heritage.