FORMER SAS man turned writer Chris Ryan signed copies of his latest novel on a visit to the region.

Osama tells the fictional story of SAS soldier Joe Mansfield, who was in Pakistan and saw Seal Team 6 bring out Bin Laden’s body.

Mr Ryan answered questions and signed copies at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday.

Jim Perrie, who works at the museum, said: “It was really good.

“People were very pleased and they came out and said he was very entertaining.

“He dressed people up in uniforms and had a long session with about 90 people.”

Born in Rowlands Gill, north Durham, Mr Ryan joined the SAS in 1984.

During his ten years in the regiment, he was involved in overt and covert operations and was also sniper team commander of the anti-terrorist team.