When a group of kids line up for hand to hand medieval combat like the knights of Ye Dayes of Olde, the excitement is palpable.

Far from being a macabre spectator sport for adults, Camelot Kids is the newest regional activity that transports children into medieval times.

With ‘Hollywood style’ weapons of rubberised swords and shields at the ready, young warriors will immerse themselves into legends of the past such as Robin Hood and Maid Marion.

Katrina Kruse who runs Camelot Kids and practises Medieval martial arts, said her day-long "Knight School" sessions combine fun and learning.

"Young Knights or Ladies will be taught about chivalry, combat tactics and life in the dark ages along with getting their hands on real replica armour," she said.

Looking for staff or need a job? Check out The Newsport Employment pages

"It gets the kids' imagination going. As well as that they get to learn archery which was the main weapon that was used for thousands of years.

"We do everything we can to make it as safe as possible, we put rubber blunts on the end so no one is going to get hurt."

Ms Kruse knows the importance of a well-made piece of armour. She participates in jousting - a competition where riders on horseback aim to strike the opponent with a lance while riding towards him or her at high speed.

"The armour I use for jousting is pretty serious stuff because I take some serious hits. The jousting is still the real deal when two horses come at each other at 60 kilometres an hour.

"I've got that for the kids to play with so they get to feel how heavy it is, and they get to try on the helmet so they realise how hard it is to see and how hard it would be to wear in combat.

"We give them a bit of history, but the kids are having so much fun they just lap it up."

Knight School is coming to the Port Douglas Community Hall these school holidays on 28 September and 3 and 4 October. To book your child's place, or for more information call 0409 651 394 or email camelotkids@bigpond.com.