A Swindon school teacher spends all spare time following the army of Parliament in reinactments of Civil War battles.

Mandy Sturman from Westlea School is a senior member of the Sealed Knot Society and has been fighting her way around Britain and taking part in events across Europe since 1982 when she joined General James Carr's Regiment of Foote.

A flat mate persuaded her to go along 'for a laugh.' Now she is a sergeant major and is drum major to the whole Army of Parliament, which numbers some 3,000 members.

Mandy's music degree led her to research more deeply into Civil War military music and she trains other drummers for the army. As a history specialist, she is keen about preserving the historical authenticity of the Sealed Knot, to give a true picture of the times.

"I know we're absolutely mad, but it's great fun, with fantastic camaraderie; we have friends all over the country," said Mandy, whose 11 and 13 year old children are also drummers. "Many women fought in the Civil War by disguising themselves as boys and men. Even now women in the fighting ranks don't always declare themselves."

Mandy is also a member of In Touch with History, a group who dress up in period costumes to provide authentic interpretations at museums and old houses.