HOLLYWOOD is making a film of his book, but for local author Matt Cain nothing is as thrilling as launching his novel in his home town.

He was in Waterstones yesterday for the launch of his book, The Madonna of Bolton.

Among the throng waiting to have their books signed at the Deansgate book shop was Mrs Marie Cowley, 43.

“I think it’s amazing,” she said. “The book highlights what a great town Bolton is and how it is important to value everyone equally.

“It’s an uplifting read.”

Equally impressed was Mr David Halliwell, 61, who also thought it was great for Bolton and was looking forward to reading it.

Matt’s parents were there to toast their son’s success and his proud dad, Gordon, said: “I’ve always been proud of him and this is conformation of what a great bloke and talented writer he is.

“He thoroughly deserves his success.”

For Matt, who lives in London and is now a full-time writer, his homecoming was a dream come true.

“It’s been great,” he said. “It was very important to me that the first signing session was in Bolton.”

The novel is already receiving reviews meaning it’s been a busy week for Matt, the former editor-in-chief of Attitude magazine.

In the last few days he has appeared on the Lorraine show and Sky News and has been interviewed by a number of national newspapers.

Tonight he’s doing a signing and giving a talk at Manchester’s flagship Waterstones store on Deansgate and afterwards it’s on to the launch party.

Matt said: “It’s a Madonna fancy dress party at a venue opposite The Paradise Factory which is appropriate as it features in my book.”

He has already held talks in Los Angeles and signed contracts with Live Nation – the biggest entertainment company in the world – which has bought the film rights of his book.

Madonna herself was made aware of the project and has given it her blessing.