Iconic railway posters to go on display

John Hassall's The Jolly Fisherman was commissioned by the Great Northern Railway in 1908

An exhibition featuring about 100 original railway posters advertising tourism in Lincolnshire is due to open in Grimsby.

The posters highlight destinations across the county including Mablethorpe, Cleethorpes and Skegness.

The works are by 20th Century poster artists including John Hassall, famous for creating The Jolly Fisherman.

The poster prints and maps will be on display at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre from Saturday until 5 May.

The exhibition features designs from the golden age of travel posters

Mr Hassall created The Jolly Fisherman in 1908 for a poster that declared "Skegness is so bracing!".

The poster, with its portly caricature in his wellies and fisherman's hat, is considered one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time.

Other artists whose work is being featured include Frank Mason, Fred Taylor, Tom Eckersley and Kenneth Steel, noted for his watercolour designs.

Hayden Dawkins, from North East Lincolnshire Council, said they were "delighted" to share the collection with visitors.

"The railway has played such an important part in the development of North East Lincolnshire and these posters are not only fascinating historical objects, but also beautiful pieces of art," he said.

The exhibition is free, and author Richard Furness will be giving a talk at the centre on local railway history and the railway posters on Saturday 11 January between 14:00 and 15:00 GMT.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.