The mother of a talented University of East Anglia student, killed in a road accident just weeks before graduating, has said she hopes a book of her daughter's poetry will prove an inspiration to others.

Eastern Daily Press: The cover of the poetry book by Rebecca McManus. Picture: Unthank Publications.The cover of the poetry book by Rebecca McManus. Picture: Unthank Publications. (Image: Unthank Publications)

Rebecca McManus, 21, who had been studying English literature with creative writing at the UEA, died when she was hit by a car in Birmingham on May 31, 2014.

A book of her poetry - called A Book of Fragments and Dreams - is set to be published by Unthank Books, with a special event at the Writers' Centre in Norwich at 6pm on Thursday.

Her mother Cathy said: 'She had a natural gift for poetry and had individual poems previously published, and seems fitting as it was one of Rebecca's ambitions.

'Rebecca had always hoped to have at least one book published and she had already chosen the title for the book. We hope it will provide inspiration for other young poets.'

Covering 159 poems, subject matters include the changing of the seasons, romance and the wonders of the sky.

Currently, the family are in the process of talking to various organisations about fitting charitable tributes, which proceeds of the book will go towards.

The book is available for £9.99 and can be ordered from most bookshops as well as online from Amazon, The Wordery and Book Depository.

Two men were jailed for a total of nine years for the 101mph crash in December 2015.

It was found they were racing, when one of the cars smashed into a bus stop where Miss McManus was waiting, on her way to a hen party.

Thursday's event, run by UEA LIVE in collaboration with Writers' Centre Norwich, is part of a series showcasing the past, present and future of UEA writing talent.

It will be free to attend with all welcome, in particular those from Miss McManus' time at the UEA.

Doors will open from 6pm, on March 23, at Writers' Centre Norwich, Dragon Hall, 115-123 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QE.

For more information, call 01603 877177, or click here