Re-enactment on 1066 battlefield

The re-enactment coincided with a programme about the 1066 clash

Armies have gathered at the original site of the Battle of Hastings to re-enact the Norman conquest.

The event has coincided with a programme about the events of 1066, which was shown on Friday as part of BBC Two's Battlefield Britain series.

Alan Larsen, of English Heritage, said the re-enactment would be more exciting than any film or TV programme.

"Real horses will be thundering up and down in front of the audience," he said, ahead of the event.

"The Saxon shield wall will hold firm.

"There will be clashes of steel and shouts of men - it will all be real."

The event is taking place at Battle, which is north of Hastings - armies were mustering on Friday for battle re-enactments on Saturday and Sunday.