A CLIMBER and photographer has finally got to grips with the rolling hills of East Lancashire -- after travelling the world to tackle its highest peaks.

Alastair Lee, of Worsthorne, decided to put together a book featuring Pendle Hill, and Ribble Valley and Burnley landscapes, because he "wanted to do the area justice".

Forgotten Landscape follows on from his critically-acclaimed book Eyes Up, which was released last year selling hundreds of copies.

Alastair, 30, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, said: "I wanted to fill a gap in the market and do the area justice. I have always felt that publications were not doing that."

After unsuccessful spells as a baker, A-level student, and laboratory technician, Alastair decided to concentrate on photography full time. Eyes Up features images of his climbing trips to Canada, France, China, New Zealand and Scotland.

He admits that he may not be the best rock climber in the world, but pundits agree he is one of the best photographers of climbers.

Alastair said: "There is a preconception that the area is full of chimneys and grey skies and pessimistic doom. There is a lot of truth in that, but there is also another side.

"I went to parts of the moors I have never been to before and I was surprised by some of the things I found. It was interesting and amazing to discover."

The book has been launched in conjunction with an exhibition at Pendle Heritage Centre, in Barrowford, which runs until September 28. The exhibition was funded by Alastair's friend, Richard Davis, owner of Dysons Art, in Scotland Road, Nelson.

"The response has been superb. I've heard every superlative you can imagine and that just re-affirms what I always thought -- that there is a demand for quality images of our countryside," he added.

On Sunday, September 7 Alastair will give an illustrated talk about how the book was put together and how some of the photos, including 360 degree views of Pendle Hill, were taken.

Buy 'Eyes Up: A Pictorial Odyssey of Life...' on-line now...