DESPITE the criticism of many tourists, who summarise Morecambe as being washed up and run down, the place seems to attract people with creative flair.

Writers in this new anthology of poems pick out the strangest metaphors to try to capture the place.

It is described in verses of white horses, through reflections in pools, with burials, crocodiles and fossil colonies.

The book’s 19 poems provide snippets of insight into what the town means to those who live there.

Curious, I read through its sonnets, rhymes and free verse and wondered if any would sum it up in a way I understood.

Unfortunately, when I finished reading, I came away feeling empty handed.

The Morecambe I know isn’t in here.

But then I don’t think anyone could completely capture this eccentric seaside setting.

Perhaps its elusive quality is what makes it such a draw for those with artistic talent.

MORECAMBE BAY AND LOCAL POETS: Edited by Graham Austin, £4.50.