ROMAN troops marched back into Malton at the weekend to take part in a second successful festival in the town.

After last year’s inaugural event, the site of the Derventio fort in Old Malton was transported back in time for the two-day Roman Festival.

At the start of each day a parade of Roman troops and British warriors made their way from the centre of Malton and St Nicholas Street in Norton to the fort site.

Once all the troops had arrived, they were formally inspected and the day’s events officially sanctioned.

On Saturday, the opening duties were performed by the mayor of Malton Coun Jason Fitzgerald-Smith in Latin, along with the mayor of Norton Coun Di Keal and Miss Scarborough, Leanne Wilford, who lives in Malton.

Panto dame Berwick Kaler who had been invited to open Sunday’s events was unable to attend due to family circumstances.

Denys Townsend, a member of the We Love Malton organising committee, said it had been a really successful event.

“It was very well attended and some of the activities in the arena were spellbinding,” he said.

“Some of the re-enactors also commented on how unusual it was to re-inact on the site of an actual Roman fort.

“There was a great deal of interest in what was going on and it really helps to put Malton on the map – we certainly hope to hold the festival again next year.

Coun Paul Andrews, who organised the heritage tent, said people had been impressed by the history of the site as well as the performances by the re-enactors.

“The Romans were a practical people and their heritage lives on with us today. The heritage tent helped share a sample of their civilisation and give a taste of a very exciting period in world history,” he added.