HORDES of York youngsters launched their own invasion as part of a celebration of things Viking.

About 120 pupils, aged between eight and ten, from St Barnabas, Fishergate, St Mary's, Knavesmire and St Lawrence's primary schools, took part in the 2006 Schools' Jorvik Viking Festival yesterday.

The annual event is organised by City of York Council's arts and culture team and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

The youngsters were dressed in Viking regalia when they invaded Coppergate and performed tales from Nordic folklore, before marching to St Sampson's Square and King's Square for further performances.

The tales were based on Norse myths that the pupils have been studying, with the help of Viking expert Lee Threadgold, and Colin Jackson, the council's drama consultant. Both men helped the children explore how the myths have been passed on through storytelling.

Pupils from St Lawrence's Primary School gave a musical performance with a Viking flavour in King's Square.

The children had been working with local musician Keith Jackman and made their own instruments.

David Thewlis, St Lawrence's head teacher, said: "Our youngsters have been so excited about this whole event. It's really brought education to life for them. I think sometimes we forget how lucky we are as York citizens that we have such a wealth of history on our doorstep and this project makes use of that to best effect."

Helen Davey, head teacher at St Barnabas, said the 30 children taking part from her school enjoyed the whole experience.

She said: "They spent two days working with drama consultants and artists formulating their own play themes about Thor (Norse god of thunder) retrieving his hammer.

"They have had a great time, made all the props and brought in their costumes from home. They've had a whale of a time."

Mr Jackson said: "Taking part in the Jorvik Viking Festival gives the pupils the opportunity to enrich their learning by bringing the curriculum to life. With this practical account of the Vikings in their city, the children cover the curriculum areas of history, visual arts, drama and English."