VIKING strongmen flexed their muscles in an unusual wrestling display - for instead of using their arms for combat, their strength was all in their legs.

The leg wrestling challenge was part of a new event at this year's Jorvik Viking Festival, which went by the name of the Trial Of Strength.

Eight tough men re-enacted Viking strength tests, such as shield wrestling, carrying the wench, axe holding, stone lifting, leg wrestling, tug-of-war and hand-to-hand combat.

The unusual display took place in St Sampson's Square, York, yesterday.

The Jorvik Viking Festival is on until Sunday. Events still to come include an international Viking event due to be held in St Sampson's Square tomorrow - with groups from around the world re-enacting what life was like in their own country 1,000 years ago.

The winner of the Trial Of Strength event was a Viking named Kyartan - also known as Ken Blakesly, who is a member of the Red Holderness Vikings group.

A spokeswoman for York Archaeological Trust, which runs the festival, said: "It was great - loads of kids were there."

Organisers also hope to show the Vikings' softer side with the re-enactment of a royal wedding between King Sihtric of Dublin and Princess Edith, sister of the West Saxon King Aethelstan at York Minster on Saturday.