Knights making Yorkshire comeback

Each knight and their horse have a combined weight of about half a ton

Medieval knights returned to Scarborough Castle at the weekend for Yorkshire's first competitive jousting event in 400 years.

Each weighed down by more than 70lbs of armour, the knights went to battle in the latest round of English Heritage's Knights Tournament.

Teams also competed in archery and hand-to-hand combat during the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday.

Organisers said the event was unlike any other historical re-enactment.

English Heritage's events manager, Jon Hogan, said spectators saw a real competition unfolding, following the rules of medieval tournaments.

"All of the weapons were real, and the knights were fighting to win - no choreography, just a pure battle of skill and judgement," he said.

During the joust, each competitor and horse had a combined weight of about half a ton, with their lance hitting an opponent's shield or armour with an impact speed of about 50mph.

Winners from the weekend contest have made it through to the final at Tynemouth Priory on 19 September for the chance to become England's Hero.