ACTOR Christopher Timothy - best known as TV vet James Herriot - made a personal pilgrimage to the former homes of World War One poet Wilfred Owen during a special visit to Wirral.

The star of 80s TV series All Creatures Great and Small was in Birkenhead to record Owen's poetry for a special version of musical play Bullets and Daffodils, which is being performed at the town's Central Library next Wednesday, April 9, as part of local history week.

Written by Oxton-based musician Dean Johnson, it chronicles the life of Wilfred, who was killed in action at the end of the First World War.

While in Wirral, Christopher visit Owen's childhood homes in Elm Grove, Wilmer Road and Milton Road in Tranmere.

The actor, who also appeared in the popular daytime soap Doctors, was born in Shropshire, which is also the poet's birthplace, has long been fascinated with Wilfred's youth spent in Birkenhead.

This led to him meeting Dean and becoming director of his Owen bio-musical.

Christopher said: "I have learnt so much about the Wirral through working with Dean on Bullets And Daffodils, and I believe Owen's iconic verse was shaped by his time spent here."

The play, which deals with his life before and during the conflict, premiered at Birkenhead Central Library in 2010.

The production explores Wilfred's relationship with his mother through his letters, poetry and his life's events.

Bullets and Daffodils can be heard at Birkenhead Central Library at 2.15pm. Tickets £3