It's a dream come true for word wizard

For Tom from Eccleston had always intended to bring out a collection of his work, after writing poetry for close on 40 years.

And if you want to see the collection for yourself, Tom will be signing copies of his book, priced £4.99, at Wardleworths Bookshop, Westfield Street on Saturday, April 29 between 11am and 1pm.

Tom, who has lived most of his life in St Helens, was educated at Rivington Road Junior School and then at Cowley Boys Grammar School and served in the Royal Navy before graduating in English Language and Literature at Keble College, Oxford.

He enjoyed a long and varied teaching career, culminating in service at Wade Deacon Boys Grammar School, Widnes and the Widnes Sixth Form College.

However, one thing which has remained constant is Tom's love of writing poetry and some of his early poems appeared in the Liverpool and Oxford University magazines.

In later years he has received both local and wider recognition, including prize-winning publication in the prestigious poetry magazine Orbis International Quarterly. Tom feels that 'In-Between Time' is a collection of his best work and emphasises the straightforward language in which he writes. Tom presents his poetry in traditional poetic forms many of them rhyming. There is also a light verse section which includes humorous limericks.

Tom writes about people, events, joys and sorrows which affect most of our lives and many of his poems reflect the times in which we live, from the NHS through to the computer age. And there's a selection devoted to 'Time and Other Dimensions.'

From a local point of view and as a keen Saints supporter ,Tom has included poems about Alf Ellaby and a Championship Final.

Tom said: "I have included many types of poetry in this collection and the subject matter is wide-ranging, including many humorous pieces. I feel that it has something for everyone and I am now happy to have the chance of reaching a wider readership."