A group of over-55s who started a poetry group as a way of getting together socially have published a book.

The Solway Poetry People will launch their first anthology an Culterham Hall in Mawbray next Friday.

The project grew out of an exercise and social group run through Age UK.

About four years ago that group was visited by an outreach worked from the Wordsworth Trust and a poetry workshop followed.

From there, the would-be writers, some of whom had never before put pen to paper, began meeting regularly.

As well as developing their writing, the group has developed their community links.

Barbara Hepburn, who lives near Mawbray, said: "A lot of us didn't know each other before we met up as a group so we have made friends and it's a social thing."

Once established, the group began doing poetry readings to WI groups and others and that sparked the book project.

Barbara said: "People kept asking 'Have you got a book?' and we didn't. We decided that we'd put one together."

The group secured a £1,700 grant from the Hellrigg Community Benefit Fund, which supports the communities near the Hellrigg wind farm, to publish the book.

It contains poems by all 11 members of the group, along with some of their grandchildren.

It is now on sale at Winters of Silloth and the town's library.

The launch event will take place from 2pm to 4pm next Friday and is open to all.

Sue Allan, of the Wordsworth Trust, will give and talk and there will be afternoon tea.

The poets will also be there.

Tickets for the launch are £5, available by calling Barbara on 01900 881343.