A BOOK about a man’s relationship with Bolton is set to be turned into a Hollywood film - and it hasn't even hit the shelves yet.

The film arm of Live Nation has purchased the rights to Bolton-born author Matt Cain’s novel The Madonna of Bolton.

The book itself will be released next month, and the prospect of a film has already received the blessing of Madonna who has approved the use of her music.

Mr Cain, who was born in Bury but moved to Bradshaw aged two, said: “It has taken 12 years to get it published and that in itself was a dream come true. It never occurred to me that I might sell Hollywood film rights. I’m still pinching myself.

“There is only one place they can film it. The majority of the book is set in Bolton.”

While the film is only in the pre-production stage, Mr Cain will mark the release of his book on July 12 with a signing session at Waterstones in Bolton town centre from 12.30pm.

Set in suburban Bolton, the novel is based on Cain’s own experiences growing up.

It follows Charlie Matthews, who falls in love with Madonna on his ninth birthday.

Charlie’s obsession “sees him through some tough times in life: being persecuted at school; fitting in at a posh university; a glamorous career in London; finding boyfriends; getting rid of boyfriends; growing up; and family heartbreak”.

Madonna inspires Charlie until he is finally able to let go of his reliance on his idol and learn to find his own voice.

Mr Cain said: ““It is inspired by my own relationship with my hometown.

"Growing up, you want to get out but when you get older you realise it will always be a part of you and you fall in love with it."

After attending St Gabriel’s RC High School in Bury, Cain left Bolton to study at Cambridge University before embarking on a career in broadcasting. He now lives in London and until recently was editor of Attitude, a leading gay lifestyle magazine.

He published his first novel, Shot Through the Heart, in 2014, and his second offering, Nothing But Trouble, was released in July of the following year.

The Madonna of Bolton is available to pre-order now at https://tinyurl.com/ydx8xetj.