VIKINGS today paid tribute to Ragnar the Mighty Warrior - the Jorvik Viking Centre star who died earlier this year.

A special ceremonial sword, which has been commissioned in his memory, was presented to the winning team in a Strongest Viking Competition held at York's Coppergate Centre as part of the Jorvik Viking Festival.

Vikings chanted 'Ragnar' and the crowd applauded as the sword was presented to Halfdan, aka Mark Sellers, the leader of the Viking team in a contest against Anglo Saxons

Ragnar, aka Nathan Wade, of Stamford Bridge, was known as Ragnar through his work for more than a decade at the centre and also in Viking re-enactments all over the country. He died last month, aged 35, after a 19-month battle against cancer.

He played a big role in the festival over the years, serving as a King, King Slayer and even a God.

The ceremony was watched by his mother Dawn and brothers Reece and Ryan.

Dawn said: ”I think it's fantastic. It's such an honour for my son.”

Ragnar was honoured by dozens of fellow enthusiasts when his funeral was staged last month at a packed York Crematorium.

Members of his York re-enactment society, Volsung Vikings, processed in full costume in front of the hearse as it wound its way through the crematorium grounds at Bishopthorpe.

Then they formed a guard of honour at the entrance, with swords raised, as his coffin was carried inside.