A BRILLIANT Bolton playwright has figured in a national award 10 years after his death.

Bill Naughton, who was born and grew up in Daubhill, penned acclaimed plays including Alfie which was was made into a hit film starring Michael Caine.

Now an archive of Bill's work at Bolton Library has been highly acclaimed in national library awards.

Last year, Bolton Council bought the collection of Bill's works which include original manuscripts of his plays, novels and personal memoirs.

Barry Wood, senior lecturer at Bolton Institute, wrote a colourful guide and staff at the library staged a launch event featuring a performance by Bolton Lads and Girls Club of one of Bill's plays, The Goalkeeper's Revenge.

The national awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Archivist Sam Collenette, who collected the Bolton award, said: "The guide is very bright and features information including a brief biography and a timeline of Naughton's work.

"We've had a lot of visitors ranging from people interested in creative writing to those who knew Naughton or are personally interested in his work."

Bill remained close to his roots even though he and wife, Erna, made their home in the Isle of Man until his death from a stroke in 1992.

His best-known work, Alfie, was inspired by the Cockneys he met when he moved to London from Lancashire during the war years.

His other works include Spring and Port Wine, The Family Way and The Goalkeeper's Revenge.