HISTORY will come to life this spring when medieval knights take over a Hampshire castle for two days of chivalry and jousting.

English Heritage is determined to make 2005 a year to remember by putting on a series of events around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The highlight is certain to be the Knights Tournament, two days of jousting, archery, sword fighting and falconry at Portchester Castle, near Fareham.

English Heritage's Jane Lawrence said: "It really is about bringing the past to life in a way that's thrilling, exciting and, most importantly, authentic.

"All the skills are thoroughly researched and all the techniques used are the same as those used hundreds of years ago.

"We are trying to create a medieval Superstars where all our knights will be fighting for glory."

The Knights Tournament is running at Portchester Castle on May 14 and 15, with an Archaeology Roadshow being held in August.

For more information about events being held in Hampshire, call 023 9237 8291.

On the Isle of Wight there will be a Grand Medieval Joust at Carisbrooke Castle, near Newport, on August 16 and 17, and then again on August 23 and 24.

For more information about events on the Island, call 01983 522107.