IN the equivalent of an ancient job swap, Viking warriors became Saxons at the weekend. Members of the historical group the York Vikings donned Saxon battle dress before setting off for Hastings.

The costume drama was all in a good cause, mind you. Their 300-mile trek to the site of King Harold's famous defeat will raise money for NCH Action For Children.

If only our ancestors had found it this easy to see things from each other's point of view. Then North Yorkshire's history might have been a less bloody affair.