MAYOR Fiona Roper has invited re-enactment group The Vikings to invade Wantage

She has contracted the group to take part in the Alfred’s Day celebrations on October 26 and 27.

They will set up a Viking encampment in the Manor Road Park over the weekend and perform battle re-enactments.

The group, which was founded in 1971, has about 700 members.

The Saxon king Alfred was born in Wantage in 849 and successfully defended his realm against Viking invasions.