FOUR people were taken to hospital with battle scars after fighting at a war re-enactment got out of hand.

The armour-clad warriors took to the fields around Hoghton Tower over the weekend to re-enact an English civil battle.

But some Sealed Knot troops ended up in casualty nursing injuries.

Two had to be taken to Blackburn Infirmary on Saturday with head and leg injuries.

One woman was also taken to hospital by ambulance on Sunday with a knee injury and another woman with a neck injury. All four returned to battle. Stuart Hopwood, one of the event co-ordinators, said: "The injury rate is very small considering what we do but I think these people were hurt during a pike push, which is when they run into battle.

"There were Sealed Knot medics on hand who are specially trained for burns, crush injuries and twists.

"There is also a doctor on call but anyone who is injured is taken to hospital as a precaution.

"It was absolutely awesome."

An ambulance spokesman added: "The fighting just seemed to get a little over-enthusiastic at times."

The event was presented by Sealed Knot and featured a 17th century fair and drill displays by muskets, pikes, artillery and cavalry.

The 30-year-old society has performed all over the world and taken part in the Birmingham Tattoo and the Royal Guard of Honour.

But on Saturday and Sunday the campsites which had been growing since Thursday were alive with the sound of gun blasts and fighting.

Sir Bernard de Hoghton, who has supported the Sealed Knot for many years, was "very happy" to welcome the troops back to Hoghton.

He said: "There are around 2,000 troops present here for the re-enactment of the battles which went on during the Stewart period.

"I have taken a great interest in the charity because I feel it is so important for young people to learn about the history of this country and get embroiled in the countryside."

Members of the Sealed Knot travelled from as far as Cornwall and Scotland to support the event.

Sir Bernard said: "The day is not just for children. Jobs these days are either boring or stressful and this is the perfect way to let off steam."

The event also supports the preservation trust for Hoghton Tower.