HOLLYWOOD writer James Hilton is one of Leigh's most famous sons.

Born and bred 100 years ago just off the town centre in a Wilkinson Street terraced, he quickly found fame in the burgeoning film industry.

His novel "Goodbye Mr Chips" was in 1939 turned into one of the all-time movie classics; then in 1942 came the tear-gushing "Random Harvest".

Leigh's 100/2000 group, commemmorating the borough centenary and the Millennium, is this year recognising the work of the town's most distinguished writer.

And St Joseph's Players have joined them in a James Hilton tribute.

The company will stage "Random Harvest" from May 16-20, Doreen Johnson directing this sumptuous drama of lost love, set in the years immediately following the First World War.

"It's going to be very special," she said. Tickets for the play and the company's "Showtime" production (April 11-14) will soon be available at Boardman's on Bradshawgate, Leigh.

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