Writer enjoys once-in-a-lifetime trip exploring town's link with New Zealand

Sue Gerrard embarked on the trip last autumn, exploring the town's connection with the country through its 15th Prime Minister Richard Seddon.

Seddon was born in Eccleston in 1845, arriving in New Zealand in 1866.

Sue, from North Road, went to the Robert Lord writing residency in Dunedin.

During her trip she undertook research into Seddon's life and met with the author of Seddon's biography King of God's Own Tom Brooking.

Sue with Tom and his wife Trish

During the trip she created a narrative diary 'In Search of Richard Seddon' and made presentations outlining Seddon's life from his birth in St Helens, through his experiences in Australia and New Zealand.

"I wanted to link St Helens with Richard Seddon in New Zealand and fly the flag for St Helens linking these countries together," said Sue.

"He (Tom) agreed with me that Seddon's early life in St Helens was a great influence, particularly as he'd been poor and knew what that was like.

"Tom was a great help and pointed me in the right direction for researching at the Hocken Library, one of the most renowned libraries in New Zealand."

Sue also appeared on Dunedin-based radio show All Good Poems Wear Travelling Shoes, which has a Liverpool-born host, Ian Loughran.

Sue with Ian

She also had a collection of poetry written at the cottage accepted for publication by Tara McLeod, of The Pear Tree Press.

Sue is also looking to work on a poetry project with Ruth Arnison, who runs a New Zealand-version of Poems In The Waiting Room.

Sue with a sign for the town of Seddon on the South Island, named after Richard Seddon

"I did what I set out to do, keeping the link alive between St Helens, Seddon and New Zealand. I wanted to build a bridge."