Wirral Council have given a very special birthday present to the famous New Brighton-born writer Malcolm Lowry.

A crowd braved the torrential rain on Sunday, July 28 to help mark a very special occasion.

It is 100 years since Malcolm Lowry was born in the town.

A Blue Heritage plaque was unveiled at the promenade by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Councillor Tony Smith and Mrs Barbara Smith.

The plaque is now positioned on the sea wall looking out to the Mersey Estuary.

The honour comes during Wirral's Year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.

Members of the public and the Firminists (named after the central character in his 1947 novel Under The Volcano) joined Bryan Briggs, artistic director of the Bluecoat in Liverpool at the celebration.

He said: "We are delighted that Wirral has recognised Lowry's unique talent in this way.

Wirral Globe:

Malcolm Lowry's passport photograph

"His influence is not just literary, but it is seen in artists working across the creative spectrum around the world.

"The plaque will help shine a light on his birthplace and it's importance to his writing."

There was also an 'invite only' reception event at the Sailing Club at Marine Point where Lowry's niece and great nephew attended the function and said a few words about the literary great who died in 1957.

Bryan Biggs read out out special 'telegram' messages from Lowry followers around the globe including academics from New Zealand, Canada and Mexico.

Lucy Barrow, the council's assistant director, culture and visitor economy, said: "We are proud to be working with Bluecoat, Conservation Areas Wirral and other partners to mark Malcolm Lowry's connection to our special peninsula during our borough of culture year."

There will be a public programme of exciting Lowry events on Wirral this Autumn including a walking tour, film screening and talk organised by the Bluecoat.