A CRIME novelist will be delivering masterclasses as part of a major arts festival.

Writer John Dean will present two workshops during the upcoming Darlington Arts Festival.

The creator of the John Blizzard and Jack Harris crime novels will teach participants how to create the perfect villain when he hosts a crime writing masterclass on Saturday May 3 between 10am and 4pm.

He will go onto showcase his versatility when he delivers a class in the art of writing for children on Saturday May 24.

Both masterclasses will take place between 10am and 4pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington.

Places, costing £25, can be booked in advance by contacting John Dean at deangriss@btinternet.com or calling 07889-554931.