THE Vikings were on the loose - but pillaging was far from their minds.

Actors in costume took part in Alfred's Great Day, a series of events at Winchester's Discovery Centre.

It aimed to bring to life for children the age of Anglo-Saxon England and the time when Alfred was on the throne.

Highlights included a display of weapons and armour, a fashion show and a demonstration of Dark Ages surgery. There was also a small-scale replica of a Viking longboat.

Children had the chance to make coins, try their hand at calligraphy and listen to Viking sagas. An Alfred exhibition runs at the centre until Sunday.