A POET'S 35th annual book of verse which captures the “changing face” and “community spirit” of the town will be published next week in aid of the RNLI.

Collin Rossini, of Main Road, Dovercourt, has released his latest book of poetry, entitled 'Harwich Home to All' which covers global conflict, the historic heart of Harwich, as well as football.

Collin, who worked as a duty officer assistant at Trinity House, in Harwich, for decades, has raised thousands of pounds over the years for the RNLI.

Events include a charity football match attended by late England manager Bobby Robson and a charity cricket match at Chafford School, supported by Jock Wallace, former Scotland and Colchester United manager, who took part on the day.

Collin said: “I have noticed the changing the face of Harwich. It’s a lot more diverse here which is a good thing.

"It is home to a lot of characters as well - it’s an incredible place really.

“There’s an awful lot going on with the Guy Carnival and Shanty Festival recently, and everyone can be part of it.”

Cover - Collin Rossini's dog skipper, as a fan of Harwich and Parkeston FC, is on the cover of his latest poetry bookCover - Collin Rossini's dog Skipper, as a fan of Harwich and Parkeston FC, is on the cover of his latest book of poetry (Image: Submitted) Collin got into poetry while spending time in Belgium and Holland, and was inspired by singer songwriter Jacques Brel and the song If You Go Away.

Collin, who is also a big fan of Oscar Wilde, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, says there is a lot of humour in his poetry, which can becomes “a bit surrealistic" in some of his work.

Collin said: “There are environmental poems, poems about nature, and poems about the football club which is now on the rise.

"I’m trying to incorporate into the poems about Harwich being a boom town for creative people. I loved that and that is what attracted me to here.”

Collin’s book has 23 poems with one two-part poem - Harwich, Home to All – which is split up by a separate poem about ongoing global wars.

Other poems focus on age, love, Harwich and Parkeston FC, and also the country's political developments over the past year.

Harwich Home to All is available at Turners Service Centre, on Dovercourt High Street, for £4.95 from November 22. 

All proceeds will go to the RNLI.