NEARLY 200 people will be picking up their swords and invading Rivington as they take part in the area's first ever Viking March.

The event at Rivington Gardens on Saturday will involve about 180 people dressed as Vikings marching from Liverpool Castle and up to Rivington Pike before heading down to the Great Lawn for a celebration.

The march is to raise awareness and funds for the restoration of Rivington Gardens, which is being carried out by Groundwork.

Andrew Suter, heritage projects manager, said: "What we wanted to do was pick a theme that would get families interested and tie in to the outdoors.

"We thought it will help us to raise awareness of the project and it is just doing something fun."

There will be a celebration on the Great Lawn following the march including a bouncy castle, axe throwing, archery, face painting, birds of prey and a DJ.

The march is 5km long and begins at 11.30am with the celebrations on the Great Lawn starting at 1pm.

Registration begins at 10am. People can pay at registeration.

It costs £7 for adults and £4 for children. To register, email vikingarch@outlook.com