A REAL-life Jack Reacher met the man behind the fictional hero at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

Author Lee Child was among the special guests at the world’s biggest celebration of the crime genre at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.

The blockbuster author, who has sold over 100m books, was presented with a special plaque by Lieutenant Colonel Mark John, the commanding officer of 1 Regiment Royal Military Police at Catterick Garrison.

Lt Col John shares similarities with his literary doppelganger Jack Reacher - standing at 6ft 7ins, he has served as both a civilian policeman and in the Military Police. The meet-up was organised by his regiment, who wanted to mark his move to become commandant of the Defence School of Policing and Guarding.

Lt Col John said: “I have always been a very big fan of Lee’s novels and obviously I feel a connection with the Jack Reacher character. I keep an eye out for new releases and I’m keen to read the latest offering.”