A VIRAL video has led a Herefordshire man to take up arms in a duel for homeless charities.

The duel, due to take place in Herefordshire in April, will see two internet-famous medieval re-enactors, The Anvil of Hereford and Goatworn Armband from Devon, take each other on in a five-round unscripted fight.

The pair will use authentic medieval armour and steel weapons, as well as period-accurate fighting techniques.

A trained referee will adjudicate the duel to ensure no one gets hurt.

The event will be filmed by a local director, using professional cameras and drones.

The fighters are undertaking the duel to raise money for homeless charities St. George’s Crypt and Path Devon.

The Anvil of Hereford, or Ben Quick, as he is also known, said: “I started off re-enacting seven years ago. I was recruited by the Norman Group in Hereford… you can see them training in Bishop’s Meadows on Sunday afternoons.”

“I was challenged to duel [by Goatworn] after a video went viral earlier in the year of me knocking someone out in a re-enactment. I said I would do it if he got 3,000 followers, which he did.

“Rather than do it for our own egos we decided to do it for charity. We both happened to pick charities for the homeless.”

Ben’s chosen charity is the Leeds-based St George’s Crypt, which provides beds, counselling and support for rough sleepers.

Ben said: “My father works up there, so I happen to know a few of them. I want to try and help them out.”

So far, they’ve raised £1,431 for their causes.

The fight will be made available to watch on their website www.fightforthehomeless.co.uk