A CHILDREN’S author captivated crowds with a samurai sword and tales of ninjas when he paid a visit to the region.

Chris Bradford, author of the award-winning Young Samurai series, performed to year 7 pupils at Hurworth School, near Darlington, before visiting the town’s Crown Street Library where he hosted a presentation and question and answer session for year 5 and 6 pupils from St Augustine’s Primary School.

The author and father-of-two also showed them samurai sword techniques, ninja moves and hosted a book signing session.

Mr Bradford uses method writing and for his Young Samurai series he trained in samurai swordsmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyo Shin Taijutsu.