WITTY, tongue-in-cheeks posters are putting Hale and Sale and Altrincham on the map.

Journalist-turned-artist Eric Jackson has used his expert knowledge of Manchester’s boroughs to create unique and stylish posters that wouldn’t look out of place on the French Riviera.

The printed designs have proved popular with Mancunians and the artist decided to take a humorous shot at Hale and Sale and Altrincham.

Speaking about his Hale design, the 58-year-old said: “On the outskirts of Altrincham, Hale is the chi-chi suburb most people in Trafford aspire to.

“It's the place to be seen and, occasionally, spot the odd celebrity. It's got the lot, from artisan bakeries to trendy bars and restaurants.

“It's a bit of a mystery how the very wonderful Railway pub has survived. It's only a pub, for god's sake.

“Of course, it's not all sweetness and light - most locals hate the clock tower, and it's a constant niggle that although posh, Hale isn't quite as posh as Bowdon, which is just 'up the hill' and is where most of the celebs actually live.”

Eric, who runs a stall at Altrincham market two weekends a month, told the Messenger how he came up with Sale and Altrincham’s ‘evil twin’ design.

“Sale and Altrincham always seem to be plugged together – an example being the Sale and Altrincham Messenger,” he said. “It’s that funny dynamic that I love – one place seems to always slag off the other.”

Eric, a former arts editor at Manchester Evening News, was inspired by the resort posters he would pick up whilst holidaying in Europe.

But Eric wanted to put a more contemporary twist on the classic style.

“When is the last time you saw a stylish poster about the place you live,” he said. “I wanted the posters to be playful. Sometimes art takes itself too seriously and I just wanted to make people smile.”

A selection of Eric’s designs are also available as postcards and mugs.

To buy this poster visit statementartworks.com or drop by Eric’s stall at Altrincham market.