RETIRED railway worker Roy Edwardes has turned to verse to help fund a project at his local church.

Roy, of Pilning, has compiled a book of his poems, which will be launched tomorrow at St Peter's Church in the village.

Called Many Aspects of Love, it is the third book produced by Roy, 79, whose first collection was called Fascinating Lines and featured his railway-themed poetry.

The Nelliephant for young readers raised money for Children's Hospice South West , while his latest work will be sold in support or a reordering scheme at St Peter's, which involves having chairs instead of pews to make the church space more flexible.

Roy said: "I started writing poetry when I was about 40. I was a boilersmith on the railways, working on steam engines, and used to gaze out of the windows and write poems about all manner of subjects.

"Many Aspects of Love is about the love of my wife, Pat, love of the child, churches, life and railways. I've had 100 printed so far and they are on sale at £5."

The launch takes pace from 7pm-8.30pm, with cheese and wine to be served, music played and some of the poems read.

It will be followed on Saturday by a coffee morning and further readings, also in the church, from 10.30am-noon.

Copies of the book will be on sale but they can also be bought from Roy by emailing royedwardes@talktalk.net