Sherlock Holmes fans were treated to a talk about the fact and fiction of the great detective at Gidea Park library on Tuesday.

At the hour-long event in Balgores Lane, Roger Johnson, of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, entertained the audience with his knowledge of the literary character and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

They listened as Roger, who is editor of the society’s Sherlock Holmes Journal, delivered his speech - which touched on the conception and development of the character.

“I was very pleased. People asked questions and everybody stayed at the end for a chat,” said Roger.

Having been a member of the society for almost 45 years, and editor of the journal for seven, Roger knows a thing or two about the fictional detective.

He said: “I can’t remember when I first encountered Holmes. I seem to have been aware of him all my life.

“I grew up listening to the radio plays with Carleton Hobbs and Norman Shelley as Holmes and Watson, and must have read Hound of the Baskervilles aged 10. From then on I was hooked.”

The character is enjoying a cultural revival at the moment, with a successful film franchise and two series’ currently gracing television screens.

“I enjoy the films, and the Elementary series has grown on me,” confessed Roger,

“Sherlock, however, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, is a revelation.”

With the society always on the lookout for new members, Roger believes the latest incarnations will help attract the next generation of fans.

He added: “We have around 1,400 members, of all ages, but we are always looking for young people to join.”

To join the society, visit sherlock-holmes.org.uk.