IT'S war on the playing fields of Bury's Elton High School!

But no-one was hurt when Year 8 pupils took part in a re-enactment of the English Civil War.

The whole year discovered what life was like during the 17th century bloody battle led by Oliver Cromwell and King Charles.

Leading the large-scale history exercise was a touring company called Historical Re-enactments, whose Sgt Bob Ainsworth is actually a former pupil of Elton High.

He is pictured (right) instructing pupils Daniel Smith (13), and Kim Hadfield (13) how to load a Falconette cannon.

Mr Peter Agnew, head of history, said the event was designed to enhance the pupils' recent study of the war and its causes.

"We like to do as much hands-on work as we can," he said.

"The pupils fired the cannon, tried on armour and weapons, and saw how long it took to load muskets.

"It all helps them understand how changes in technology affected the ways in which wars were fought.

"The event also helps provoke discussion about the impact civil wars have on civilians and communities, and by bringing in modern examples of civil wars, it helps promote their understanding of these conflicts."