NORMAN cavalrymen may be spotted riding through East Sussex today.

Two actors on horseback, in character and costume, set off from Pevensey Castle, near Eastbourne, to Battle Abbey yesterday. 1/10 They continue the trek today to mark the return of a Battle of Hastings re-enactment which was called off last year.

English Heritage wanted to allow the grass to grow back at Battle Abbey in Battle, near Hastings.

And the year before, the annual spectacle telling the tale of the 1066 battle was cancelled amid health and safety concerns after wet weather.

But the two-day event, which will attract 400 Norman and Saxon participants and a company of horses, will now take place on October 11 and 12.

Lydia Tickner, of English Heritage, said the spectacle, which will culminate in a mighty clash between the warring sides, will have "more action than a Hollywood blockbuster.”

Plans are also under way to mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 2016.

A series of events, to remember the significance of the battle which altered the course of history in medieval England and led to the Norman conquest, are being planned.

It is hoped that a senior member of the Royal Family member will attend after the Queen helped mark the 900th anniversary in 1966.

A lunch with guests from Normandy, a memorial service in the town's St Mary's Church to remember the fallen on both sides of the battle, and a marching display by a military band, and an evening reception are all planned.