Derby is planning two mock battles to mark the anniversary of Bonnie Prince Charlie's decision to stop his southward march from Scotland in 1745.

The prince's decision to return north with his army from the city during his rebellion against George II is considered a fateful event in British history.

Derby is holding a weekend of activities to commemorate the historical turning point on 7 and 8 December, including the staged battles between Highland and English troops.

There will also be a commemoration service at the furthest southerly spot that the prince's army reached.

Dramatic escape

The Prince - Charles Edward Stuart - had conquered Scotland in his Jacobite rebellion against George II.

When he brought his army south, there was panic in London.

Charles was defeated at Culloden in 1746

Charles feared there might be little support for his rebellion in southern England, so he returned to Scotland.

He was also hampered by the fact that English Catholics did not support his Jacobite cause and the backing he expected from France did not materialise.

He also faced an English army five times larger than his.

The following year he suffered defeat at the Battle of Culloden and exile abroad after a dramatic escape to France.

A statue depicting Charles' arrival still stands in Derbyshire where the five-arched bridge at nearby Swakestone marks his army's most-southerly advance.

The Bonnie Prince Charlie Weekend is organised by the Charles Edward Stuart Society.