LEIGH is preparing for a four-day feast of wordsmith fun.

Coronation Street creator Tony Warren will kick off the event with an illustrated talk in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.

The first Leigh and Wigan Words Together Literature Festival will run from April 14 to 17 inclusive with parallel events in both towns.

The festival is a rich mix of plays, poetry and novels, workshops, performances, readings, talks and chances to take part and a collaboration between many individuals, organisations and writers' groups from around the borough.

And according to Words 04 chairman, Stephen Lythgoe, if it is a success it could become an annual event.

For over 40 years the nation's favourite street has had a place in millions of people's hearts.

Fans will be able to find out for themselves how it all began when the Manchester-based author and screenwriter reveals how Coronation Street started and highlights some of its most memorable characters on Wednesday, April 14, at 2pm.

This is followed at 7pm with Fran O'Boyle: "He tells a good tale..." The talented storyteller has delighted audiences throughout Britain and Ireland with his rich mix of stories, riddles and songs.

On the 15th at 11am at the same venue Margaret Murphy will take a light-hearted look at methods of research for crime writers with readings on "The Police Inspector, the Crook, the Mortuary Technician and the Writer".

At 2pm on the same day John Hammond, secretary of the James Hilton Society, will give an illustrated talk on "The Life and Work of James Hilton" Leigh's most famous writer. Author of Goodbye Mr Chips and Lost Horizon he was born in Wilkinson Street.

At 7.30pm there will be a performance of two plays "Cinderella, The Rehearsal" a comedy written and performed by Leigh and Atherton Writers and Friends, and "Car Boot, The Performance" a play by Scriptshop which could put shoppers off the sales for good. Admission for this is £2.

On Friday the 16th (10am - noon) four local writers with experience of mental health problems will present extracts from their works which illustrate their route back to health.

The final day Saturday, April 17, (10am - 12.30pm) brings a Writers' Market Place, suitable for scribes who are trying to have their works published.

The festival closes at 2pm with words of wisdom from Wigan scriptwriter Paul Finch who will conduct a question and answer session.

Paul, a leading scriptwriter on ITV's "The Bill" has also published novels, short stories and novellas in America, Impressive and inspirational, but down to earth, Paul believes in writers persevering and trying any outlet.

The events, except the plays are free, and reservations can be booked by ringing Leigh Library 01942 404404.