NEW travel posters which capture a bygone age to tourists for both Altrincham and Hale are being exhibited at Altrincham's Art with a Heart.

The 1930s railway style posters have been published to capture the many attractions of the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line and produced by the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (MCCRP) and designed by Chester based artist Nicky Thompson.

The free exhibition of 13 colourful posters, which will remain on display until November 10, are intended to evoke memories and imagery of a golden age of British travel and encourage holidaymakers in the North West and beyond to embrace the spirit of adventure by exploring the sites of the region by train.

The posters characterised by blocky vibrant colours, feature both general scenes of cities such as Chester, Manchester, Altrincham and Stockport. In addition, they intend to capture interesting sites near rail stops including Lostock Gralam features the Lion Salt Works Museum and Northwich’s stop is illustrated by the impressive ‘Cathedral of the Canals’, the Anderton Boat Lift.

Other posters include: Delamere, Knutsford and Chester Zoo.

There is no charge to view the exhibition in Art With A Heart opposite the Clock Tower in Altrincham, which is open Wednesdays through to Saturdays 10am to 5pm.

Karen Wroe founder of Heart With A Heart said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to host this exhibition.

"Through great research work by our Volunteers, we have enhanced the exhibition by discovering interesting and famous women who were born and lived in places along the Manchester to Chester railway line."

Sally Buttifant, Mid-Cheshire Community rail partnership officer, said: “I am proud to be able to showcase this striking artwork in Altrincham giving people in Greater Manchester the chance to see the art and enjoy one of our recommended Marvellous Days Out.

"People have also been sharing their memories of the North West evoked by the art and people have been taking the train and enjoying ‘Marvellous Days Out’ which is what we wanted."

Artist Nicky Thompson said: "The posters draw on the work of Frank Henry Mason, one of the most influential poster designers of this era. In their day, these posters with their strikingly bold colours and experimental flat design were quite different and new. What is unarguable is that they were highly effective in creating an aspirational sense of adventure that drew city-dwellers to explore the countryside. I’m an Ellesmere Port lad, and as a Cheshire resident, it has been a total pleasure to produce the artwork for these posters. I hope everyone enjoys them.”

Posters will be available for purchase from Art With A Heart in A3 and A2 size for £5 and £10 respectively. Postcards sets will also be available featuring12 of the posters. If attractions across the region would like to host the exhibition and stock these posters and postcards, please call Sally Buttifant on 01244 976788 or 0773 652 3863.