A REGIMENT of English Civil War soldiers set up camp in Farnham library over the Easter break to teach local children about the 17th century conflict.

The Godolphin Regiment of Foote gave a barber surgeon talk, a musket and pike drill and a puppet show, as well as an audience with one of the library's former visitors, Charles I, who stayed overnight in Vernon House, now the library, before being executed in London.

Anna Kensington, children's leader, said: "The children all loved it. People came from all over the county. It was fantastic seeing history come to life."

Anna said the children particularly enjoyed the barber surgeon talk as all the tools and techniques used in the surgeries of yesteryear were demonstrated. The musket and pike drill was also very popular with the visitors, she said.

The event was part of the Children's Book Festival which took place across west Surrey from March 24 to April 7.

Library manager Steven Samson added: "It went really well, we were very pleased with the turn out and children really enjoyed it."