Shoppers at Preston's Flag Market could have been forgiven for thinking they had taken a step back in time as seven men on horseback rode into town.

The former British Army soldiers visited Preston as part of a fundraising trip, tracing the steps of Prince Rupert during the English Civil War from Liverpool to York in 1644.

They donned period costume for The Prince Rupert Ride and were escorted by mounted police from Merseyside on their five day journey.

While in Preston, they met the mayor, Coun Bhikhu Patel.

They should reach their destination on Friday at Marston Moor, Yorkshire, where the Battle of Marston Moor, deemed by some as a major turning point in the English Civil War, took place on July 2, 1644.

Prince Rupert led a relief force of 14,000 infantry and cavalry across the Pennines culminating in the famous battle where his men were defeated.

The group, led by Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, are retracing his steps to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund, which provides financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

Major General Webb Carter, controller of the Army Benevolent Fund, said: "It's all going to be jolly good fun.

"We've loved getting dressed up in the period costume and following in the footsteps of Prince Rupert. Hopefully we'll raise lots of money for the army Benevolent Fund."

The group has already raised £25,000 but expect this to rise to as much as £40,000.