A PRESTWICH performance poet has penned a special piece aimed at inspiring people to pound the streets for the Morrisons Great Manchester Run.

Tony Walsh has crafted a verse entitled 'Do Something' for the annual 10k run, which will be held on Sunday May 10, and will see up to 40,000 runners take to the streets.

The 49-year-old, who has become the event's first poet in residence, hopes the poem will inspire people to put on their running shoes.

He said: "The run is quite an emotional thing for people, whether they're doing it for charity or personal reasons and I wanted the poem to reflect that passion.

"There's also a great sense of occasion with big crowds, banners, balloons and fancy dress outfits and I wanted to capture that spirit and colour of the day.

"I've watched the run several times and am passionate about Manchester so know exactly what this event means to the city and those who take part."

Organisers hope that Tony will perform 'Do Something' as runners cross the starting line at Portland Street in Manchester.

David Hart, communications director at event organisers Nova International, said: "I was immediately inspired after hearing Tony recite a poem at a birthday party for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

"His passion for the city is so apparent and when I heard how much he loves the Great Manchester Run it seemed natural to ask him to get involved.

"We love the result — it's a brilliant poem which absolutely captures the unique spirit of the event and is a stirring call to action."

Tony is a full time poet, who performs at festivals and theatres, and teaches at colleges, schools and universities, and was the poet in residence at Glastonbury Festival in 2011.

One of his highest profile performances was at the opening of a road named after Sir Alex Ferguson, where Tony performed 'The Govan Boy', a poem he wrote in tribute to the former Manchester United manager.

Tony said: "Sir Alex stood next to me and I was told he had a tear in his eye because he was so moved by my poem. By coincidence, the route of the Great Manchester Run goes past the end of Sir Alex Ferguson Way."

To listen to 'Do Something': visit youtu.be/bEa9SLC2Ifk