Sarah Walsh has travelled all the way from New York to link up with Bangor-on Dee's Apra Ames Roberts.

Apra is a leading light in the world of stunt co-ordination, with film credits that include the box office blockbusters Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and First Knight.

The two women met earlier this summer when Apra was in New York – involved with advanced training in fight choreography – and they became friends.

As well as being a talented actress, Sarah is also a gifted combat arranger and wanted to know more about the differences between America and Britain in terms of stage fighting and so has flown over to learn from Apra.

Apra explained: "Sarah is really hungry for knowledge, it is fantastic.

"She has learnt so much and still wants to discover more. The American style tends to be theatrical, whereas in Britain there is a greater concentration on historical accuracy – things such as holding the blades correctly and having your feet in the right place."

These are very busy times for Apra as she is currently involved in a forthcoming swashbuckling production of Cyrano de Bergerac by the Borders Youth Theatre in Scotland.

Apra's aim is always for members of the audience to enjoy a wonderful visual feast in terms of fight scenes and for the actors to be able to carry out their performances in safety.

The young actors involved in Cyrano will be instructed in how to give their very best with each challenge they face.

Anyone who is intrigued by the skills Apra teaches and would like to know more can get in contact with her through the Rapier and Steel Drama and Stunt Group where she instructs.

Apra stressed there is no age limit and her pupils range from five-year-olds to pensioners.

For further details log on to www.rapierandsteel.co.uk.