YOUNGSTERS in Lancashire are being offered the ‘knight shift’, giving them a chance to experience all things medieval.

Camelot Theme Park near Chorley is offering the county’s little princes and princesses the chance to learn all about the park and its workings.

The challenge is ‘joust the ticket’ for boys and girls, between the ages of six and 12, who have an interest in history and the tales of the legendary King Arthur.

Knight School will take place on Saturday, July 17 and will teach the youngsters the art of knights’ combat, about the weaponry used and how to prepare as a knight for battle.

The children will also dress the horses for the jousting tournament and learn juggling skills, courtesy of the park’s very own jester.

Manager of Camelot Sandra Dempsey said: “Our jousting show is very popular and that’s where the idea for Knight School came from to give children a behind-the- scenes look at how King Arthur and his knights prepare for battle.

"Perhaps one day they may go on to become our jousters and jesters of the future.”

Camelot was saved from receivership last year by The Story Gro-up, based in Carlisle, which leased the park to a newly-formed leisure group, Knights Leisure.

This enabled the park to resume its operations after a period of great uncertainty.

Visitor numbers since the change in ownership are said to be ‘healthy’.

King Arthur will be enrolling 30 children from all over the North West in this year’s school.

Youngsters who would like to attend have to write to King Arthur and tell him, in no more than 50 words, why they think they should be chosen for a place at Camelot’s Knight School.

Parents, guardians and friends can also nominate a child they know.

Entries, with name, age, address and a daytime contact number should be sent to King Arthur, Knight School, Alexander House, Station Brow, Leyland, Lancs, PR25 3NZ. Or email knights@mtjpr.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday, June 25.

Winners, along with up to three others, will begin Knight School at 10.30am and each graduate will be awarded a Knight School certificate.