A PONTYPOOL born photographer - whose landscape and travel pictures have appeared in publications all over the world - is returning to his roots for a book which offers a retrospective look at life in South Wales in the 1970s.

Robin Weaver, 62, who was born in Panteg, began his career as a press photographer on the South Wales Argus over 40 years ago and, in his free time, roamed the valleys, through the seaside towns and the Welsh capital.

Among more than 80 pictures in his new book are those of the last resident of Stack Square at Blaenavon Ironworks, Blaenavon carnival, Pontypool horse show, a sheep sale at Abersychan and Cwmbran shopping centre more than four decades ago.

In 'A Different Country', his monochrome images evoke memories of places long-lost to the progress of time and of an environment and lifestyle alien to many of today’s residents.

Mr Weaver, who now resides in the Peak District, said: “I was driven to capture a unique place and atmosphere in the tradition of people I admire and studied; photographic pioneers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Bert Hardy and Tony Ray-Jones. I roamed small towns and villages seeking out people and events for no other reason than a compulsion to seal the image of the place that was bound to change, perhaps, in parts, beyond all recognition."

The former Newport College of Art student's work has appeared in magazines and newspapers, calendars, books and on book covers.

He added: “I guess you could say that I looked at South Wales through two pairs of eyes; those of a press photographer snapping a round of mayor’s visits, rugby matches, picket lines, cheque presentations and flower shows, and those of a documentary street photographer.

“What really inspired me were the Welsh people, whatever they were doing. The sort of photographs I was required to take for the newspaper were often staged – very different from what I liked to take for myself."

Mr Weaver added: “I believe that old photographs develop a special character, a unique sheen imbued with the passage of time.

“Looking through these photographs today four decades later I find myself not only in a different time, but also in a different country.

“Many of the locations in the book are completely unrecognisable from how they are today. That, I hope, adds to their appeal."

A Different Country is available as paperback (£29.49), hardback with dustjacket (£43.20) or hardback with image wrap (£45.58). It can be viewed and purchased from www.blurb.co.uk/b/6037163-a-different-country

Prints can be bought framed or unframed by visiting www.robinweaver.co.uk/prints.html