SHOPPERS were given a shock when a team of marauding Vikings came to town.

The group, complete with swords and shields, invaded Bitterne Triangle in Southampton to promote a new history project.

It was arranged by the Public Hangings art gallery in the district, which opened in the summer.

Bosses are planning a series of history workshops next year based on Southampton's colourful past.

Simon Sidwell, who is launching the project, said: "At the moment we are trying to gauge opinion and drum up support for a community project based on the early history of Southampton.

"We've had good feedback so far and we will be looking at getting funding for it and beginning work shortly.''