KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre has celebrated the launch of its special exhibition to mark one thousand years since the reign of King Canute.

The volunteers at the Heritage Centre, who have been working on the display for a year, were joined by the Royal Danish Consulate, Christian Wewer as well as Lord Ashbrook of Arley Hall and Knutsford Mayor Tony Dean.

The group were joined by re-enactment group, Traders Invaders and Raiders, who specialise in living history demonstration and dressed as Vikings for the occasion.

“It went really well,” said Val Bryant, heritage centre director and trustee. “Lord Ashbrook did a lovely introduction and then Christian gave a wonderful speech about Canute and Denmark. We also had our life-sized King Canute figure which we brought to the front of the shop and had on the stairs.

“As Christian declared the exhibition open he saluted King Canute. It was brilliant- he played the part really well. It was really quite a different and unusual event.”

Russ and Liz Scott of Traders Invaders and Raiders, will also provide a replica model of a Viking boat which will feature in this year’s Royal May Day Parade.

“The re-enactors were fantastic,” added Val. “They all had beautiful costumes and two of them dressed as Viking slaves.

“I think that gave a lovely atmosphere to the whole afternoon. We will be working with them throughout the year, as they are helping us with our celebrations in many ways.”

The opening of the exhibition marks months of celebrations to commemorate King Canute, from which the town allegedly derives its name.

There are a number of items on display in the centre's new cabinet, as well as information about King Canute and the Viking invasion.

Val said: “To have an official opening like this was great. It went really, so we are pleased and looking forward to future events.”

For more information about Canute events visit knutsfordheritage.co.uk/event/knutsford-celebrates-canute