PRISONERS-of-war from the American Civil War have been brought back to life at a North Yorkshire museum.

A re-enactment society of the period visited Eden Camp military museum, near Malton, to drill new recruits and give visitors a taste of life in the American Civil War.

The nationally-based society brought 30 to 40 enthusiasts from around the country to visit the former prisoner-of-war camp.

They took part in drill exercises, shooting practice and came into close contact with the visitors to show them their uniforms, guns and equipment.

Museum archivist Nick Hill said: "We decided to host this weekend because, although the period is outside the time-scale we usually cover, it fits in really well with our focus on prisoners-of-war, as the American War was the first conflict in which large numbers of prisoners were taken.

"Being a former prisoner-of-war camp this is very important to us, and this has provided a good opportunity for us to offer our visitors a hands-on experience with the re-enactors, they can see the uniforms, hold the guns, and talk to the actors.

"The re-enactors have also benefited from spending time in our unique conditions, so it has been a real success all round."

The museum is now looking forward to its next re-enactment event, when about 50 Second World War military enthusiasts will visit on Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Updated: 10:18 Monday, March 17, 2003