STAR reviewer Sue Gerrard received a special festive present, as one of her poems 'Late Night Shopping' was broadcast on Radio Merseyside on Christmas Day.

This is the tenth year in succession that Sue's poetry has been featured on the 'Winters Tales' programme. Her joint exhibition with painter Carol Anne Eaves, entitled 'Time To Remember -St. Helens Now and Then, Town and Country' has had its run at The Citadel extended until April 2005.

Meanwhile here is a copy of Sue's poem:

Late Night Shopping

Christmas moon spotlights

The street, pavements packed

With seasonal shoppers, jostling

Juggling parcels and lists, turning

This way and that with the fury

Of spinning tops. Shop girls

Rubbing their aching feet and

Longing for home and slippers

And piping hot tea.

Nine O' clock and the lights

Go down on the high street

Thank heaven it will

Soon be Christmas they

Murmur devoid of the

Festive spirit as they trail

Tired and weary, homeward.

Soon it will all be over they think

And then remember the January sales.