SALFORD Quays and the history of Manchester Docks come under the spotlight in a new collection of poems and images by Crowton writer Lynn Pegler and Salford photographer Mike Poloway.

‘Salford Quays Unlocked – Voices of Manchester Docks’ takes the reader on a historical journey.

It starts in 1887 with the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal through to the docks’ closure a century later and finally its successful reincarnation as the Quays and MediaCity.

Artist LS Lowry, canal navies, a Tornado pilot and BBC producer are a few of the characters who feature in this unusual collection of poetic reportage.

Lynn started writing the poems as part of her final portfolio for a masters degree in creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, headed up by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and the poems were the inspiration for the photographs in the 64-page book.

A former newspaper journalist, Lynn runs PR consultancy Pegler Communications and combines a love of drama, geography and local history among the book’s pages, which are packed with unusual characters and surprising images.

She said: “Salford Quays has an amazing story to tell. It’s about entrepreneurship, vision, guts and determination, and I hope I have managed to find authentic voices of real and imaginary characters who weave through my own personal interpretation of events.

“When I was writing the poems, I always envisaged them sitting side by side with illustrations.

“Mike Poloway’s wonderful new images, along with evocative old black and white dock photos, embellish the words with enhanced emotion.”

The book is set to be launched with a multi-media performance of selected poems at the Weaver Words Literature Festival in Frodsham on Sunday, April 10.

The Gala Celebration Evening, which starts at 7.30pm, includes appearances from comedian John Gorman and modern folk band Jaywalkers.

Salford Quays Unlocked is published by Blurb, and is priced £11.99. It is available online, at the Lowry Centre shop and selected bookstores and gift shops.

Tickets for the Gala Celebration Evening and other Weaver Words events are available online at www.weaverwords.org.uk or by ringing the box office on 0845 557 7469.