An Alsager publisher with an eye for writing talent has published the poems of a local poet in her first book.

Philip Williams, a writer himself, twice winner of the Cheshire Prize for Literature, set up The Coracle publishing enterprise from his home.

He spotted the work of Congleton poet, Diane Cook, a founder member of Congleton Writers' Forum, and suggested it was published as a collection.

Now the 'witty, quirky and surreal' work of Diane has been published in a book, Airborne Till Teatime by The Coracle. Philip is a former mayor of Congleton and a current Congleton town councillor.

He said: "I first heard Diane read her very original and striking poems shortly after I moved to the area in 2007. I was also impressed by the very varied activities of the Congleton Writers' Forum, now celebrating its 35th year and one of the most active and original local writers' groups I've come across.

"Diane is a very engaging reader and performer and I was surprised that she hadn't had a full collection in print. I approached her to remedy this and I'm very pleased with the result.

"Diane's poems are witty, assured, quirky and surreal but always with one foot firmly on the ground. She has a keen eye for detail and her themes range from her Congleton childhood to social and international issues.'

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Diane Cook's poems have been published by Philip Williams. (ImageL Philip Williams)

The book, which is being launched on 12 November at Congleton Masonic Hall, on 12 November has already received rave reviews.

Former Cheshire Poet Laureate, John Lindley, also a resident in Congleton, praised it for its 'breathtaking' breadth of detail and emotion.

He said: "'This is a long overdue debut collection from an astonishingly gifted writer, one which touches hearts and nerves in equal measure."

All are welcome to the launch in Mill Street at 7.30 pm. Airborne Till Teatime is available at £10 per copy and £1 from every sale will go to The Macular Society for macular degeneration research.

Copies will be available at the launch and subsequently from Diane Cook or from Philip Williams Tel 01270 882060 or email [email protected].