BOLTON novelist Ruth Hamilton has finally become an official bestseller.

Her ninth book has topped the official Sunday Times Bestseller list.

The romantic fiction writer, a former teacher at Sunninghill Primary School, described her "delight' at finally being recognised for her storytelling prowess.

Ruth, who lives in Merseyside but spent 25 years in Bolton, went straight into the coveted charts at No 8 for her latest novel, The Bells of Scotland Road.

Her first book was published in 1989. Since then, Ruth has had eight other successful titles but she has never managed to get onto the Sunday Times list.

"According to this list, I'm now officially a star," said 57-year-old Ruth. "Everyone seems to think it is a big deal and I keep getting flowers and telegrams.

"But it doesn't really mean that much to me. I've been on the W H Smith bestseller list a number of times."

Ruth is currently researching her new book, The Dream Sellers, about a fictional family setting up a department store in Bolton, due out at Christmas.

Her novel will be based around the true story of the Whitaker family who opened their own store on Deansgate.

Ruth is also working on a novel for Christmas 1998 based on Bolton's fish market and tannery. She would love to hear from anyone who has memories of the 1939 to 1960 period.

Ruth said: "I remember my parents making me walk through the fish market when I was a small child and the whole experience was very terrifying.

"But I would love to hear from someone who has worked there. I'll be advertsising in all the national papers and the local ones soon so people can get in touch."

Ruth also revealed that she has no plans to return to live in Bolton despite rumours. "I don't like what Bolton has become. There are no local landmarks left," she said.

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