Rochdale writer heads for Hollywood

Write on track: Rochdale writer John Siddique is heading overseas to share his work

A talented Rochdale writer is heading for Hollywood after being nominated by the British Council.

John Siddique, a former gardener, is off to LA next month to become The British Council's Los Angeles Writer in Residence 2009, where he will hold seminars at the California State University.

The 44-year-old is only the fifth person to take the post since it began in 2005.

Mr Siddique, who currently lives in West Yorkshire, was spotted by the British Council after his work has been carved into pavements around Blackpool.

John Siddique is also the author of ‘The Prize’ (Rialto,) ‘Poems from a Northern Soul’ (Crocus Books,) editor of ‘Transparency’ (Crocus Books,) and co-author of ‘Four Fathers’ (ROUTE.)

His children’s book ‘Don’t Wear it on Your Head,’(Peepal Tree,) was shortlisted for the CLPE Poetry Award.