THE Good Companions Writers Group are launching their first collection of work called 'Your St Helens Travelling Companion Anthology.'

This is a joint venture with the St Helens branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society with all profits from sales going to the charity.

Priced at £2, the book has a foreword by writer Matthew Parris and contains many samples of work of a local nature reflecting the companions' pride in their town.

The collection will be officially launched by the leader of St Helens Council, Councillor Mike Doyle at the group's meeting place, St Mark's Gamble Memorial Hall, off Bishop Road, next Thursday, November 27.

Chairwoman Marie Nelson, herself an MS sufferer, says: "This anthology is dedicated to members of The Good Companions who, without any local or Government grants, have produced this book by their own hard work. Money was raised by holding coffee mornings, a barn dance, car boot sales, subscriptions and two members, with a combined age of 129 years, making a sponsored coast-to-coast walk across England."

COPIES of the anthology are available from John Bown & Co. Estate Agents, 14 Claughton Street, St Helens, or by ringing Matt Murphy on (01744) 882998.

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