A photographer from Leyland will exhibit her work at a major show which highlights the gritty reality of inner city life.

Melodie Peters, 31, of Wood Green, has been involved in Worktown, a documentary project based in Salford, that culminates in an exhibition at The Lowry.

Melodie is one of 22 up-and-coming photographers who were given the brief Why is it important to record daily life?' Between them, they have produced 7,000 photographs over seven months.

Melodie said: "I got the bug for taking pictures five years ago on holiday in Goa.

"My particular interest is documenting real life and I enjoy taking portraits of people as I think it's remarkable what someone's face can reveal about them."

Melodie, who attended St Mary's School, Leyland, works as a intranet editor and is studying for a HND in photography.

She hopes eventually to become a professional photographer.

One of the centrepieces of the Worktown exhibition is her photograph called Liam.

Melodie said she met Liam by chance outside a shopping precinct and he has left a lasting impression on her.

"Since taking this photograph, there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of Liam.

"His gentle personality, cheeky grin and infectious laugh have made him one of the most unforgettable people I have ever photographed," she said.

Fay Taylor, the Lowry's visual arts education manager, said: "We have been overwhelmed with both the scale of the project and the outstanding quality of work by the amateur photographers.

"They have learnt such a lot as the Lowry has provided free professional training and guidance, access to photography facilities and educational field trips."

Worktown will be on display at the Lowry, Salford Quays, from September 30 to November 19.

After that, it is hoped the photographs will serve as an archive, housed permanently in the Salford Local History Library, for future generations to see what life was like in 2006.