BATTLE cries will sound once again in Kingsland on June 10 and 11.

But, before local people start ducking for cover, this time the clash of swords is in the name of entertainment rather than for the throne of England, as the Federation of the War of the Roses gathers to re-enact scenes from the Battle of Mortimer's Cross.

This spectacular event forms part of a weekend called Blooms and Billhooks, being staged by the Kingsland Millennium Green Trust when a wide variety of events will be on offer.

If you prefer your roses to be of the horticultural kind, then there will be a chance to learn from flower expert Jenny Thompson, who will be giving talks on the care of roses each day.

There will be crafts from around the county, filling four marquees and featuring silversmithing, knitwear, jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, glass, furniture, children's clothes and toys.

Foodies will be able to sample the delights of the Chocolate Gourmet, 'Just Rachel's' ice-cream, home-made jams and pickles by Emily and Bodenham English wines.

If you want to learn more about this important penultimate battle in the Wars of the Roses, then David Delaney from Mortimer's Cross Mill will be on hand to enlighten.

But it's the battle itself which will take centre stage and throughout the weekend it will be possible to see how life was lived in the camps of those fighting the Wars of the Roses. Candle-making, armour repair, archery demonstrations, medieval games - all this and more can be experienced and enjoyed.