TO the casual observer, it is little more than an ugly gas holder sticking out on the skyline in Spa Road, Bolton.

But to one man it is a picture of beauty, a gritty symbol of modern-day life and our industrial heritage.

It may seem strange to some people but Owen James Hurcombe has spent the past two years building up a photographic portfolio of the North-west's 43 gas holders.

Armed with his camera, he has combed the region looking for the tall, round structures.

And they will be exhibited in a gallery set up at Cedar Farm, near Mawdesley, Lancashire.

He said: "At first people think this is a strange subject but when I was at college, everyone else was doing fashion photography and other glamorous subjects. I wanted something a bit more gritty, so I picked public utilities.

"I lived near a gas holder in Chorley as a child and I see them as part of a familiar landscape.

"People don't see them any more, like pylons, yet they are these enormous structures that hold great historical significance, as well as our gas."

Mr Hurcombe, who lives in Higher Wheelton, Chorlton, has been supported by gas pipeline company Transco.

Jon Butterworth, the firm's North-west director, said: "This will be a really good record of a major part of our industrial heritage.

"We are delighted that Owen has chosen this as his subject and hope that the public will appreciate his interpretation of these structures which form such a part of our everyday lives."