VIKINGS will descend on a Hemsby holiday village in a charity weekend inspired by the end-of-life care received by the resort’s founder.

Belle Aire Holiday Village on Beach Road was founded by Donald Burrell in 1972. Mr Burrell died from cancer in 2008 and was cared for by nurses from Marie Curie Cancer Care in his final days, allowing him to die in his own home.

On August 18 and 19, the holiday village is holding its Viking Festival in aid of the charity; a weekend of food, fun, games and sword fights.

Manager of Belle Aire, Joanne Hubbard, said: “This cause is very close to the hearts of all at Belle Aire. Mr Burrell was very grateful to Marie Curie.”

The weekend will include a living-working Viking village, demonstrations of Viking surgery, battle re-enactments, craft stalls, a bouncy castle, barbecue, face painting, archery, javelin throwing, Viking coin striking, leather working and a prize raffle.

“There will be something for all the family,” said Joanne.

“The site will be full to capacity and we will be all hands on deck to make it a great summer day out for guests at the resort and people visiting for the day, with a real holiday atmosphere.

“All the staff will be involved - this is very much a family run holiday village, we are not a big chain, so this sort of thing is important in that regard.”

Last year staff at the holiday village raised �5,000 for a guide dog for the blind, which was Mr Burrell’s dying wish. The guide dog was trained and then named Lucy, after Mr Burrell and wife Beryl’s golden retriever.

The Vikings from re-enactment group The Bifrost Guard will be in character for the entire weekend. They will camp in the holiday village, light fires, give sword fighting demonstrations and re-enact battles for visitors.

“They take it seriously in an effort to make it as genuine an experience for the guests as possible. It will be something a bit different for Hemsby,” added Joanne.

For more information visit www.hemsbybelleaire.co.uk