GLOBE columnist Peter Grant meets Roger McGough ahead of the famous wordsmith's gig as part of this year's Wirral Festival of Firsts.

Roger McGough has a way with words ...

Joined Up Writing - his latest poetry book - will delight fans of this perennially popular poet.

It will be another anthology for the shelves of those who have grown up with his written and oral magic for the past five decades.

He has been called a 'word juggler' and 'Liverpool's Poet Laureate.'

But just call the former teacher 'poet' and this modest Liverpudlian is more than happy.

He has enjoyed a wide ranging career and every year he has a packed diary.

Wirral Globe:

Roger McGough (picture: Nick Wright Photography)

Poets never retire.

He was famous for being in 60s pop group The Scaffold with present day Wirral residents Mike MCartney and John Gorman.

And he is known all over the world as one part of the ever inspirational trio the Mersey Poets with Brian Patten and the late Adrian Henri.

Now 50 years since it's publication, The Mersey Sound has never been out of print, Roger is busy with his BBC Radio 4 show Poetry Please and he is in demand for his solo readings across the world.

Now he is coming to Wirral as part of his critically-acclaimed creative collaboration with the three piece band Little Machine who specialise in famous poems out to music.

Roger is very happy 'still gigging.'

After all he only needs an overnight bag and his notebooks.

Have words - will travel.

Roger tells the Globe: "Playing Merseyside is always something I look forward to because I can also see my sister in Southport.

"And members of the band have connections with Liverpool and Wirral - so it's a good time to do a performance, meet old friends and see relatives."

Roger is also very happy to support and headline the Wirral Festival of Firsts Poetry Festival with its packed programme of cultural events.

The collaboration with Little Machine has also produced a hit album.

"They got me to sing again," laughs the man born in Seaforth 81 years ago.

"It has really worked from day one. A show with my poems, their poems, songs, slides and lots of humour.

"We never do the same show twice. Vintage, classic and new poems - set to music.

"I am happy to say people coming along to West Kirby will see and hear something different and on top of that it's value for money."

London-based Roger says he is looking forward to sharing his latest solo work including a poem called It's Hard To Be A Poet from his new book which he will be signing at the event.

He reveals: "That poem is about going to the Liverpool boxing stadium with my dad when I was young. It features Donal Trump," he adds with a smile, The book also features thoughts on friendships, modern life, the trauma of war and contemporary politics.

Roger's imagination wit and irreverence is as sparkling as ever.

He says he finds inspiration in everything around him.

And he never tires of performing.

Roger has just returned from a successful gig with fellow poet Henry Normal best known for his work with Steve Coogan and The Royle Family. We were in Nottingham having a laugh and a bit of banter.

"I enjoy touring with the band they drive me everywhere."

Poets don't drive ... to recall one of his best known poems Roger has also happily help celebrate five years since the new Everyman Theatre re-opened.

"It is part of my life where we started. It did for theatre what the Cavern did for music."

He has also been down to the British Film Institute HQ to see some recently unearthed footage of the Scaffold at The Talk of the Town in the 60s.

"There are some great songs, daft sketches in it with our mate and fellow member of the touring group Grimms - Andy Roberts.

"And the poetry in there has stood the test of time."

Just like Roger ... Timeless.

Roger McGough and Little Machine.

Wirral Festival of Firsts Westbourne Hall West Kirby May 10.

Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/Wirral-festival-of-firsts or 0333 666 3366.