ARCHERS from across East Lancashire invaded' the grounds of a rugby club to commemorate the anniversary of one of England's most fam-ous battle victories.

Yesterday was 591 years to the day that, against the-odds, Henry V's English army of just 6,000 men overcame around 30,000 French counterparts at Agincourt, near Calais.

The victory was due to the superiority of the English longbow men, who overcame the heavily armed French knights.

Legend has it that the two-fingered salute originated at the battle. The French had threatened to cut off English bowmen's two middle fingers, used to fire arrows. So, gloating, the English used the gesture as a taunt. The battle is also famous for Henry V's ordering the slaughter of captured knights rather than the usual practice of holding the captors for ransom.

And as part of the anniversary, a 50-strong team from Samlesbury Longbow Archers - a group of traditional archers aged 13 to 80 whose members hail from across Lancashire - did their bit to remember the occasion.

Kitted out in traditional chainmail, dress and coats of arms, the members staged an Agincourt archery contest on the fields of Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club, Preston, their headquarters since moving from Samlesbury Hall two years ago.

The field had an array of targets which ranged from French knights on horseback to the fleur de llys emblem, the Agincourt castle and the English flag.

The archers scored points for accuracy and were docked points if they hit any English targets.

Chairman of the group, Gordon Aldred, 69, from Byron Street, Great Harwood, who said it was important the event was remembered as hundreds of soldiers involved came from Lancashire. He said: "It is an important part of history and one of our famous battles." Others involved included Susan Hand, 55, from Highercroft Road, Lower Darwen, who has been involved with the club ever since her late husband Terry introduced her to the sport 15 years ago.

She said: "There are good people at the club and it is good way to get exercise.

"My husband died six years ago, but I now use his bow and feel as if he is still with me. Hitting the target is really satisfying."

Younger members included archer of three years Karla Gudgeon, 15, from, Clayton-le-Moors who said: "The battle is really interesting and I really enjoy archery it is better than the PlayStation definitely."