A VILLAGE is planning to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of King Canute's Essex triumph.

Parish councillors from Ashingdon, near Rochford, are in the early stages of looking at ways to commemorate the historic event of 1016 - considered by some experts to have been one of the most decisive battles before the Battle of Hastings.

Clerk of the parish council John Dyke said: "We were approached by local historian Ian Yearsley, who told us about the historical importance of the Battle of Ashingdon.

"I think many people who live in the village realise it took place there or that St Andrew's Church was built in 1020 to commemorate the event.

"The parish council is working closely with the church over proposals for a new village hall, and it would be ideal if this were completed in time for the celebrations.

"We are also discussing ideas with Rochford District Council.

"The commemoration could be a major attraction to bring more tourists into the Rochford district."

Mr Dyke added: "As I understand it, there is a story of treachery concerning the battle and a large number of the English nobility at the time were killed."

Although it was largely forgotten for many years, the battle was a decisive victory for the Danes under King Canute, who triumphed over an English Army led by King Edmund II, known as Ironside.