PRESTWICH'S poet has written a moving new poem extolling the virtues of the North West.

Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, was commission to write Up 'Ere by BBC North West Tonight to celebrate the region's strengths.

Up 'Ere was broadcast at 6.30pm and a three minute video shows Mr Walsh performing his work from the top of Blackpool Tower.

The broadcast features still shots of place all across the North West and images of the aftermath of the Manchester terror attack are used.

As are images of Liverpool and Anfield stadium, remembering the 96 who lost their lives in the Hillborough disaster.

The poem begins: "From up 'ere you can see it all, in here and here you can.

"Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Isle of Mann.

"From the front page to the back page, from the north, south, east and west.

"For lots of reasons, what a region, great by any test."

Before North West tonight aired this evening, BBC North PR, tweeted: "Watch @BBCNWT #ChristmasSpecial live from St Ann's Square this Friday from 6.30-7pm.

"The programme will celebrate the spirit of the North West following the @ManchesterArena attack and Tony Walsh @LongfellaPoet has captured this in a specially commissioned poem."

You can watch the full video on BBC North West Tonight's Facebook page.