WAR broke out at Hoghton Towers near Preston at the weekend.

But it was just a re-enactment of Civil War skirmishes from 350 years ago when Scottish soldiers invaded the grounds of historic Hoghton Tower.

Members of Sir Gilbert Hoghton's Companie of Foote (pictured) - part of the Sealed Knot battle drama society - reconstructed the carnage of the 1648 Battle of Preston. Sue Slater, who lives in the village, beat her drum as the loyalist ranks prepare to go into battle. Sue, one of the regiment's founder members, said: "It's quite special for me because I was born in Hoghton so I really feel part of this skirmish."

The company laid a wreath to mark the anniversary of Sir Gilbert's death and presented a commemorative plaque to Baronet Sir Bernard Hoghton.

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