Frank up for Roald Dahl Prize (From St Helens Star)

Frank up for Roald Dahl Prize

5:37pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News

FRESH from his central role in making the Olympics opening ceremony such a worldwide success, author Frank Cottrell Boyce has now been nominated for a comedy writing award.

The Rainhill-born writer, who penned the script for the spectacular event, which saw him work alongside Oscar winning director Danny Boyle, is up for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize against several renowned children’s authors, including the comedian David Walliams.

Frank has been nominated for his book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again, a sequel to the Ian Fleming novel, which sparked the much-loved film starring Dick Van Dyke, and scripted by Roald Dahl. He has written several children’s books, including Millions and Cosmic.

The 52-year-old is also a former Coronation Street scriptwriter and penned screenplays for Welcome to Sarajevo and 24-Hour Party People.

The acclaimed author told the Star how St Helens’ old motto, Ex Terra Lucem, was “woven into the DNA” of the breathtaking Olympics opening event.

He said: “We used St Helens’ old town motto – it was on our noticeboard and featured in our Olympic programme. So there was a little tribute to St Helens, the town’s motto was woven into the DNA of the Olympic Games.”