CHILDREN from schools around the region gathered for a book themed event that gave them the chance to meet a top author.

The Durham Schools Big Book Bash was hosted by Education Village, in Darlington, an annual event organised by school librarians.

Author Sufiya Ahmed travelled from London to talk about her latest novel Secrets of the Henna Girl, which looks at forced marriage.

Pupils from seven schools - Barnard Castle School, The Hermitage Academy, Wolsingham School, Belmont School, Framwellgate School and Durham High School for Girls joined students at The Education Village.

Each group had been challenged to read ten books before answering questions about what they had read and learned from each book.

Ms Ahmed also ran workshops for pupils throughout the day and presented the winners of the Big Book Bash 2014, The Hermitage Academy and Framwellgate School, with their prizes.