BLACK puddings, Bury Market and even Gary Neville feature in the latest work of a Manchester artist who is recreating the travel posters of the past but with a modern twist.

Eric Jackson, a former journalist who took up novel writing and painting after an operation meant he couldn’t walk for four months, has painted a Bury-inspired poster along with other districts in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and ones of Manchester United and City.

The collection was recently launched at an exhibition at Fazenda Brazilian restaurant, in Spinningfield, Manchester, and now the former arts editor and TV critic is selling copies of each one as large format posters at markets and outlets such as bars and coffee shops.

Eric, 58, who lives in Stockport, said: “They are meant to be a bit cheeky without being offensive, to highlight the idiosyncrasies and quirkiness of a place. The Bury one salute’s the town’s two greatest assets — black pudding and the market — but in a fun, slightly risque way.”

The father of two, who has also lectured in journalism at two universities, run his own PR and publishing business and worked in journalism and magazine editing around the country, has used the style of the old fashioned ski and holiday posters.

“I love that bold, stylised look of the old posters from the thirties and forties. However, mine are not quite so reverential.

"They’d just be like advertisements if that were the case. No, these are a lot edgier, but with the same visual elements,” he explained. Eric, who trained at art school but moved into journalism at the age of 22, now plans to progress his artistic endeavours.

“I want to do posters for every club in the Premiership, to go with the ones I’ve done on City and United, and then do some portraits of some of the fascinating people who visit our amazing region,” said Eric, a keen footballer in his youth who played for Sheffield United reserves.

Anyone interested in buying Eric’s posters can contact him on statementartworks@gmail.com