RADIO 2 presenter, and former assistant editor of the New Musical Express, Stuart Maconie, returned to his roots to open Golborne's new concept library.

The Wigan-born broadcaster slotted in the extra appearance Saturday before he conducted his music writing masterclass and 'Evening with' at Leigh's Turnpike Centre as part of the Words 05 literary festival.

He joined the Mayor, Cllr John HIlton, who praised the library staff and thanked them for their dedication, and chair of the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Jacqui Boardman, in touring the first library in the borough to adopt the "explore" idea.

He said he was honoured to officially launch a new era for Wigan's libraries. 'One of my favourite lyrics is the Manic Street Preachers' 'libraries gave us power' from A Design For Life, so I'm obviously very, very proud to be asked here today. As a child I grew up in Wigan's libraries and they played a key role in my education.

"Back then libraries were very cold, colourless and uninviting, but what the Trust has done at Golborne is fantastic. The new Explore idea makes the library a more lively and welcoming place, where I think children will feel that reading is not a chore but something that is an exciting adventure."

He went on to read a passage from his book "Cider with Roadies" in the Adult section of the library.

The library has undergone significant changes during its closure and following a £60,000 revamp is now an exciting place of discovery and interaction.

Later Stuart helped to inspire the next generation of young writers when he delivered a music workshop in Leigh.

Maconie appeared at the Turnpike Gallery for Wigan Words 05 festival where he offered a host of useful tips on the construction of music articles.

The 25 young music scribes were asked to submit a review an album of their choice, which would then be critiqued by Maconie before an audience.

Most of the young people who took part in the event were members of the Wigan Music Collective or contributors to quarterly youth magazine The LINC.

And Maconie said he was genuinely impressed and surprised by the standard of the young people's writing.

Maconie, said: "I was delighted to be asked to take part. I was initially going to come along and read from my book at an evening event for adults, but was then asked whether I would meet some young people who wanted to get into music writing. I thought it would be a great idea because there wasn't anything like this when I was thinking about what I wanted to do when I grew up.

"I fell into music writing really, but I think I can offer encouragement to young people wanting to do what I do. If am asked I often say to them just keep trying, and if you want it enough you'll get there."

The Wigan Words '05 festival runs until Saturday. Contact Stephen Lythgoe at Leigh Library on 01942 404404.