History came to life at Carlisle Castle in recognition of the iconic structure's military past.

The Military Weekend included displays of guns, vehicles and equipment from the World Wars.

There were also living history characters, from soldiers and medics to home guard and resistance fighters.

Each day there were also firing demonstrations, children's drill sessions, storytelling and a chance to meet some of the historic characters and learn more about wartime life.

John Bonner, English Heritage's site manager at Carlisle Castle, said they were delighted with the turnout.

"It's been a very busy weekend. It was a three-day event that started on Saturday morning. We had well over 1,000 people through the gates just on Saturday and Sunday," he said.

"It was a celebration of Carlisle Castle's association with the military, with a particular emphasis on the 20th century - World War One and World War Two. It was aimed at families and military enthusiasts so there was quite a broad spectrum - something for everyone.

"We hope to do something similar again. The thing about Carlisle Castle is that this has been a working castle since it was founded and is still a working castle today. I'm not sure if it's unique but it is very unusual to have a working castle in the city itself."

The event was organised in conjunction with Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, which is situated inside the castle.

It was the final event of English Heritage's summer programme at the castle, which has also included a reenactment of its famous Jacobite siege and a weekends focusing on famous kings and queens who stayed there, including Mary Queen of Scots.

Among those at the event Stuart Mackay, of Morland, near Appleby, with his 13-year-old twins Joshua and Anais.

He said he heard about it from a work colleague and as both children are in the air cadets so decided to make it a day out.

Joshua said: "The exhibits are really good. With being in the cadets I find it really interesting."

Laszlo Mate and Aneta Balogh, from Aspatria, were there with six-year-old son Laszlo and one-year-old daughter Lelly.

Aneta said: "We are having a family day out. It's really interesting and the sun is shining."