An independent bookshop in Alton’s High Street is launching a high-quality printed journal aimed at making those who may feel on the edges of society the centre of attention.

Goldfinch Books is inviting submissions for inclusion in From the EDGE of Alton, which will feature writing, photography and art that “doesn’t always fit comfortably into the mainstream”.

Gary Clark, owner of Goldfinch Books and editor of the journal, said: “We wanted to create a space in print that reflects the conversations and tensions we see in the bookshop every week.

“We’re rooted in a small Hampshire town, but we’re interested in the edges everywhere - forgotten high streets, rural fringes, people and communities pushed to the margins. This is a journal for inclusive, outward-looking, challenging work.”

The journal will particularly welcome non-white, working-class, LGBTQ+, disabled and migrant writers, and those who suffer with mental health issues.

It is looking for work concerned with justice, equity, power, care, climate, housing and work, and that stands against racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.

There will be room for hybrid and experimental forms such as essay-memoir, reportage-poetry and visual storytelling.

Contributions should sit within Goldfinch’s desire to be a place where “books, arts and community life meet in inclusive, non-commercial ways”.

Mr Clark added: “From the EDGE of Alton is a home for work that doesn’t always fit comfortably in the mainstream - fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography, illustration and journalism from the edges of towns and cities, of publishing, and of public debate. Its focus is on community, solidarity and resistance to prejudice, exclusion and division.

“The ‘EDGE’ represents the importance of inclusivity in the arts. We champion all creative voices, and especially encourage those from the edge of the mainstream, those who may not feel that their work is worthy or fits the mould. We want to hear from all ages, all sectors of the community, beginners and seasoned artists alike, published and unpublished authors and poets - no restrictions.

“We will particularly seek to include writers and artists with a strong connection to Alton, Hampshire and the surrounding region, alongside work from further afield that shares this inclusive, solidaristic spirit.”

Goldfinch Books is inviting submissions until March 31 and the first issue will be published in the summer. There will be launch events and readings in the shop to coincide with publication.

Mr Clark said: “From the EDGE of Alton is one more way of saying that what happens in places like this matters, that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in print, and your status or bank balance shouldn’t dictate the validity of your story.

“If you care about community, fairness and the messy, complicated business of living together, this is your invitation to send us your work.”

From the EDGE of Alton will be published by Goldfinch Publishing, the new publishing arm of Goldfinch Books. Full submission guidelines - including themes, word counts, formats and deadlines - can be found at www.goldfinch-books.com/the-edge