The Vikings are coming to Hartlepool!

Josh – who has written many books for children including The Island of Thieves, The Dragonsitter and the Grk series - will be reading from his book The Viking Attack in a spellbinding event for ages 7-11 from 2pm to 3.30pm.

It costs £2 per child and places must be booked in advance at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/hubevents.

Time Travel Twins Scarlett and Tom are studying the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons at school and they have a homework project to do.

When Tom is struggling for inspiration, Grandad comes to the rescue with his time machine. Tom is catapulted onto a Viking longship and it’s not long before he’s being fitted out with armour and weapons and getting ready to attack a Saxon village.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has landed in a Saxon village – in a pile of pig poo!

Things seem to be getting better when she befriends the young Alfred the Great, but watch out Scarlett – there’s a Viking ship on its way! …

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Josh to Hartlepool for what I’m sure will be a really exciting afternoon.

“His historical fiction stories are lots of fun and well-researched and also help children learn that there are always two sides to history.

“Also, as well as being whisked off on a story time adventure, they children are also getting a taste for the magic of reading, which is such a vital skill for life.”