A new book and exhibition featuring the work of photographer Colin McPherson, and twelve written essays, presents a portrait of the river Mersey, from its beginnings as a trickle in the Peak District, via Manchester to Liverpool Bay, and explores the river's influence on trade, politics and culture since Roman times.

The show 'Mersey - the river that changed the world' is on at Grand Hall, Albert Dock until mid-January 2008, with samples of the work on Colin's site.The book, costing £17.99, is available through the project website, where you can also listen to fascinating interviews by those who've been involved with the river. Dare we say it, a splendid Christmas present for North-Westerners around the world...?