THE work of one of Blackburn's most famous sons is set to hit the heights once again - 15 years after his death.

On September 9 a group of mountaineering and literature enthusiasts will set off for the top of Scafell Pike, the Lake Districts highest peak, for a special book launch.

The novel that will be unveiled at the summit of the 3208ft peak will be Scratch and Co, The Great Cat Expedition by Molly Lefebure.

This cult novel was originally launched in 1968 and was illustrated by Alfred Wainwright, who was born in Audley Range in 1907.

Wainwright, who died in 1991, is famous for his series of illustrated walking guides that became synonymous with the Lake District.

His illustrations in Scratch and Co, accompany Lefebure's fictional tale of the Highest Known Peak in the Kingdom of Catland.

During the years since its first appearance it has built-up an enthusiastic readership among the mountaineering fraternity.

The reprint is being handled by Mountainmere Research, Harwood Road, Rishton, a small independent publisher of mountaineering literature.

Matthew Entwistle, who runs Mountainmere Research, said: "It will be the first time that a book launch has been done there to date and it just makes it all a bit different.

"Obviously we are hoping for good weather because it could get a little bit damp up there.

"We have had a lot of interest so far. It's just a quirky idea really."

The novel has attracted some high-profile interest over the years with Hunter Davies, Wayne Rooney's current biographer, unsuccessfully persuading his publisher to reprint it in 1995.

Mr Entwistle added that now was a good time to relaunch the book.

"It's 15 years since Alfred Wainwright died and at the moment there is a real increase in the interest for mountaineering novels," he said.

Only 2,000 copies will be printed which will match the original 1968 print run. Copies of the original are currently trading for £300 on ebay and Mr Entwistle said a large print run would ruin the appeal of the novel.

Alfred Wainwright's illustrated guides still enjoy huge popularity among the mountaineering and rambling fraternity.

His Lakeland guides recently won a silver award in Ramblers' Association's magazine, Walk, and a spokesman said his publications are still very popular with members.