The new collection of poetry by Leeds-based, Belfast-raised writer David Agnew is focused on neither of those cities – instead, it is an offering of sixty poems inspired by, about, or written in the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. The poet's regular visits to the town, escaping the day-to-day pressures of life, have created the perfect mindset for contentment and creativity, and There Are No Such Things As Seagulls collects this Whitby-based work for the first time.

Reading this book is probably the closest you can get to the experience of visiting Whitby without actually going; David uses his poems to document the minutiae of moments in a day, reflecting the leisurely pace of life which can be achieved in a seaside town. Readers will find David sitting on the pier, walking on the cliffs, enjoying numerous cups of tea (and the occasional cigarette), people-watching with an excellent line in non-judgmental observation, and seagull-watching with sympathy for their cause (along with a healthy awareness of their complete non-existence, as explained in the closing poem.)

This unhurried, uncontrived approach leads David's writing to occupy the unlikely middle ground between Wallace Stevens and Paul Durcan (who gets a mention). In the summer months, this book will be a perfect accompaniment to any seaside-relaxing you might do – and in the winter months, a helpful reminder that it won't be long before summer comes round again.