AUDIENCES watched with their hearts in their mouths as knights in shining armour tore across the grounds of Blenheim Palace yesterday.

Hundreds joined the Knights of Arkley, including purple knight Glenn Lean, on the stately home's South Lawn for the jousting tournament.

The event at the Woodstock stately home also included jolly jesters, birds of prey, have-a-go archery events and plenty of Pimm's.

Commentator Penny Hard said the eventual winner had been a French knight, the blue-clad Marquis de Leon.

She said: "It has been a bit wet, but good. We had a great turnout; people came with umbrellas and macs and braved the weather.

"All has gone to plan and the crowd enjoyed it. They were all cheering."

The jousting continues today and tomorrow, with further family entertainment until the start of September – including a bouncy castle, giant games, art workshops and animal encounters.