A new book of selected poems by the one of the celebrated Monmouth-educated writer Leonard Clark, is to be launched in his home town of Cinderford.

The book, Leonard Clark, Every Voice, Selected Poems has been produced by Dr John Howlett of Keele University in collaboration with the Clark family and the Forest of Dean Writers Collection at the Dean Heritage Centre.

The book contains nearly 100 poems, dating from the 1940s to the early 1980s.

“It’s been a challenge choosing which poems to include,” said John Howlett.

Guernsey-born was fostered in Cinderford and went to local schools before winning a scholarship to Monmouth School.

He went go on to become a schools’ inspector, and government advisor on the teaching of poetry in schools for which he was awarded an OBE.

Clark regularly appeared on BBC Radio on a wide range of topics including music and poetry. He wrote several literary biographies, assembled dozens of poetry anthologies including many for children, and wrote children’s books.

Dr Howlett said: “Clark was a well-known figure in British poetry, for his own work but also as a complier of anthologies and editor of poetry collections.”

The book launch takes place at The Wesley in Cinderford on Saturday (December 7).

Organised in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire and Dean Heritage Centre it will include an exhibition on Clark’s life.

The event will feature a live panel discussion hosted by former BBC presenter Jo Durrant in which John Howlett will be joined by Clark’s son Robert and daughter Mary-Louise, and Reading the Forest’s Dr Roger Deeks.

Entry to the event, supported by the National Lottery, is free. Copies of the book will be available to buy.

The exhibition opens at 1pm with the discussion starting at 2pm and book signing from 3-4pm.