A COMEDIAN turned author has had his Laurel and Hardy book made into a number one UK box office hit film.

Alan Johnson, who adopted the stage name of A.J Marriot and grew up on Norfolk Road on the Hag Fold estate in Atherton, self-published Laurel and Hardy- The British Tours in 1993.

It followed six years of extensive research, interviews and trips across the UK to theatres that the legendary duo travelled to after the Second World War.

After four rejections by BBC, one by Granada and 40 by book publishers, A.J's title was adapted into a film released as Stan and Ollie last year.

Steve Coogan plays Stan with John C. Reilly performing as Ollie with the film nominated for one Golden Globes and three BAFTAs.

A.J, who turns 69 on Thursday, was a consultant on the film.

He said: "During one of the breaks that I was on set a crew members said to me if you had not have written the book none of us would be here.

"I looked at the stage and there were 120 extras and there are around 265 people employed on the film.

"When I was speaking to John C. Reilly it was like I was talking to Hardy. He had the whole demeanour in the way he held himself."

Former Leigh Grammar School pupil Alan worked as an engineer at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics in Bolton before following his passion for entertainment to become a Butlins Redcoat.

After enjoying his two seasons at Butlins Skegness, he became a full-time comedian in 1975 and performed at venues including The Garrick in Leigh.

During a period when A.J was doing a summer season on the Isle of Man, he found out about Laurel and Hardy after seeing a book about the comedy duo. His interest in them grew when he watched their iconic films.

He realised that pair's four tours across the UK had not be documented so he took on the task himself.

A.J said: "I spent around 150 days in the British Newspaper Archive in London and went to see theatres that Laurel and Hardy played at.

"I spoke to more than 300 people who met him on their tours which ranged from theatre staff workers to famous acts including Norman Wisdom."

Since the success of the film, A.J sold out of all copies of the book and is now spending 10 hours a day to complete a revised version.

He has seen copies of his book on sale online for more than £700.

Overall he has written seven books, including one about Laurel and Hardy's Us tours, which have been sold in 45 countries.

A.J, who lives in Costa Blanca in Spain, is hoping to visit friends and family in Atherton later this year.