POETRY buffs celebrated the 130th anniversary of the formation of a Bolton literary society dedicated to American poet Walt Whitman.

The pioneering poet, essayist and journalist Walt Whitman has strong ties to Bolton despite never visiting the town.

Architectural draughtsman James William Wallace established the Eagle Street College, an informal literary society, at his home in Eagle Street, Bolton in 1885.

The group became devoted to Whitman’s poetry – with Wallace and his friend Dr John Johnson travelling to visit the poet in America.

The group subsequently became known as the Bolton Whitman Fellowship.

The fellowship – and the disciples’ tradition of hosting an annual Whitman Day on the poet’s birthday – died out in the 1950s.

It was revived in the 1980s and a new fellowship, which now meets each year on the Saturday closest to Whitman's birthday — May 31 — has now been going strong for more than three decades.

This year, 30 people celebrated Whitman Day with readings of the poet’s free verse work and a walk from Barrow Bridge.

Chris Chilton, chairman of Bolton Socialist Club, organised the event in conjunction with Bolton Poetry Festival.

His colleague Stuart Murray said: “The tradition, which goes back to the 19th century. It is about comradeship, equality, democracy and love of nature – those are the values we seek to celebrate.

“We always like to have a transatlantic link and are holding an evening event at the Socialist Club where we will link up with some of Whitman’s American fans via Skype.

“The essence of his poetry is a celebration of common humanity. I have been coming on the walks for the last 20 years and always learn something new.”