HUNDREDS of children have been held spellbound by a story read by children's author Jeremy Strong.

Primary schools from across the borough of Stockton had been invited to hear the writer read from his book, Kidnapped! The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog's Sizzling Summer at Yarm School.

The funny story is about a super-fast dog, Streaker, getting up to antics on her summer holidays.

A spokeswoman for Stockton Borough Council, who said the children, aged six to nine, came from 14 primary schools in the area, explained the event was organised by the council and Yarm School, which is a private school.

She said: "Mr Strong's unique brand of silliness has made him hugely popular with young readers."

The award-winning writer has written many wacky books for children aged from seven to teenagers.

These include My Dad’s Got an Alligator and My Brother’s Famous Bottom.

The author, in his 60s, chatted to children and answered questions before signing books.

He explained he had been a teacher until 1991 when he retired.

He said: "Ever since then my time has been given over to writing and visiting schools, libraries and book festivals up and down the UK and right across the world. I think I have the best job ever."