AN 'AMAZING' weekend of English Civil War action has been staged in Otley.

The Road to Marston Moor saw Roundheads and Cavaliers armed with musket, pike and cannon, clashing in town on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3.

English Civil War Society members, in full costume for the two days of recreated warfare, also hosted a variety of 'living history' stalls and demonstrations to give visitors a taste of life in 17th Century England.

Organised by Otley Pub Club Secretary Bob Brook, the weekend's battles and displays took place on Prince Henry's Grammar School's sports field.

The flamboyantly dressed visitors also made forages into the town centre, both to drum up business and enjoy a drink in the pub whose history inspired the whole event - The Black Bull.

The inn, on the Market Square, is reputed to have been 'drunk dry' on the eve of the Battle of Marston Moor, in 1644.

Otley Town Council Chairman Ray Georgeson was among those soaking in the atmosphere.

He said: "I really enjoyed the Road to Marston Moor event, as did my family.

"Bringing an important part of English history to life in such an entertaining way and with a crucial local connection, too, it was enjoyed by a decent crowd and I'm sure it may well become a regular fixture in the Otley events calendar.

"I learned the origins of the expression 'bite the bullet' and my boys enjoyed the cannon fire!

"Huge congratulations to Otley Pub Club for setting this up and to the English Civil War Society for a magnificent show.

"And a special mention to Bob Brook of Otley Pub Club - we all thought he was a bit crackers when he suggested it but he pulled it off - great work Bob!"

Otley-based MP Greg Mulholland, the pub club's President, added: "The Road to Marston Moor civil war reenactment was a great weekend and every credit must go to Bob Brook whose amazing vision, drive and effort delivered this excellent event.

"There was a real buzz around the town, the two battles were very exciting and, of course, as a Parliamentarian I was pleased to see a Roundhead victory!

"It was great to have Roundheads and Cavaliers wandering around!

"I am not sure if the Roundheads managed to recreate history by drinking the Black Bull dry, but it was certainly great fun seeing them walking around Otley and its famous pubs.

"We hope they will come back again and that this can become an exciting new addition to the annual calendar of Otley events.

"A big thanks to the English Civil War Society and the Roundhead Association, many of whom travelled long distances to attend this weekend, but the biggest thanks go to Bob for his remarkable efforts and also to all who volunteered to assist him.

"I hope next year a team will help Bob and the pub club put this on again so we can enjoy a historical and fun weekend every year."

The event was supported by Otley Town Council, Otley BID and the area's three ward councillors and sponsored by Hardisty and Co, Dacre, Son & Hartley, Punch Taverns and Waitrose.