THE James Hilton Society is keeping the memory of Leigh's famous novelist and scriptwriter alive 50 years after his death.

The author, who was born in obscurity in Wilkinson Street, Leigh, in 1900, died of liver cancer on December 20 1954 in Long Beach, California, an international best selling star.

He became the best selling author of Lost Horizon, Goodbye Mr Chips and Random Harvest. At the height of his fame he topped the book sales lists on both sides of the Atlantic and helped to write the script of the classical Hollywood film Mrs. Miniver, starring Greer Garson which was released in 1942.

He was a student at Christ College, Cambridge, graduating with honours in English and history. In his spare time he wrote a series of novels, but none achieved commercial success.

Fame finally came in 1931 with the publication of his novel "And Now Goodbye". This was followed by "Knight Without Armour" and "Lost Horizon".

In 1934 came the classic "Goodbye Mr Chips", written in four days and becoming an overnight success. It was filmed twice, adapted for radio and television, translated into 20 languages

A spokesman for the John Hilton Society which promotes his life and work said: "With Lost Horizon, Random Harvest and Goodbye Mr. Chips all available in paperback and his films available on video and DVD there is little chance that Hilton will be forgotten even after 50 years."