PEOPLE come under the focus of Leigh photographer Dave Walker from this weekend.

"Long Time No See" is a celebratory look at the people who live and work in Leigh and it goes on show at the Turnpike Gallery from Saturday until May 15.

Dave's past exhibitions in Leigh have included "Bev To Kev" and "Spectators". He now revisits the subjects of 10 years ago to see how they are getting on for this latest show.

There will be 20 double-sided, large photographs suspended from the gallery ceiling depicting Leigh townsfolk, swaying gently in the room.

The photographs aim to tell what has happened to each subject during the last decade, and reveal their lifestyle and social changes.

For example, Andrew Reynolds has changed from being a dreadlocked teenager in 1988 to friendly postman, and Arnie the powerlifter is now a children's clown.

All of Dave's portraits show people laughing and playing up to the camera to reveal much about their work, hobbies or personality.

Other stories tell of romance, like Frances Maloney, the UK's Glamorous Granny winner in 1988, who later married a US World War Two veteran and now lives in sunny California.

The saying "every picture tells a story" particularly strikes true with this exhibition.

The exhibition will also spill out of the gallery into shops, Leigh market and the bus shelter on Manchester Road, the latter being sponsored by local bakery Waterfields Ltd.

The gallery is also providing free fun for families, including jigsaws, family tree quizzes and 10-year time capsules.

A "Who Do You Think You Are?" arts workshop will be held on April 24 and a family open day on May 8, including face painting and puppetry.

Pictured: Arnie the powerlifter is now a children's clown.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.