THE landscape of Bolton town centre is being transformed to make it fit for the 21st century, with the modern Interchange, the vast expansion of the University of Bolton and the new-look Market Place complete with a futuristic cinema.

And for most people, the areas including a derelict building or untidy street scene would be unremarkable.

But for sharp-eyed photo enthusiast Graham Ainscow these scenes are an untold story.

The 49-year-old father takes monochrome pictures of empty and derelict buildings and street scenes.

He started taking the unusual images in Bolton, but has also taken his artistic talent into Salford, Bury and Manchester.

The transport manager from Sharples said: "I just wanted people to take some time to look at these scenes, because behind every empty building there is a different story and memory for someone.

"It used to be someone's workplace, home or business and was someone's dreams.

"I always photograph them in black and white, because it makes them look a bit more eery and leaves something to the imagination for people."

Mr Ainscow uploads his pictures to his Facebook site, Urban Decay UK and as well as buildings and street scenes he photographs homeless people and graffiti.

He also said he does not usually identify where the particular scene is to allow people "to interpret it themselves".

The father-of-two added: "I probably started taking pictures about four years ago and at first they were just of my children on holiday.

"But then my eyes started opening to what things there are all around us to take pictures of.

"It is just something that I enjoy doing.

"Some people say I should try and get my photographs out there further and some people think I am weird but it doesn't matter.

"Everyone has their own reactions and opinions to my pictures."

Mr Ainscow said he is hoping to take his nostalgic art further around Bolton and wants to branch out into other locations such as Leigh.

He said: "There are so many places and scenes that I can do in Bolton so I think things can only get better."