Author Barry Hines, whose novel A Kestrel For A Knave was adapted for the classic film Kes, has died, it was reported.
The 76-year-old is believed to have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease almost a decade ago.
Poet and radio presenter Ian McMillan tweeted on Sunday: “Very sad news: the great writer Barry Hines, creator of Barnsley's defining myth A Kestrel For A Knave, has died. Rest in peace.”
Hines was born in a small mining village outside Barnsley, and his work put the South Yorkshire town on the cultural map.
He wrote nine novels over a career that spanned almost 50 years, but it was his second book about a young boy who escapes his troubled school life by training a kestrel that brought him to public prominence.
Written in 1968, it was adapted for the highly-acclaimed Ken Loach film Kes, which was ranked seventh in the British Film Institute's top 10 British films.
Fans of Hines's work and fellow authors paid tribute to the writer, with actress Kathy Burke calling him “our generation's JK (Rowling)”.
Joanne Harris, who wrote the novel Chocolat, said: “RIP, Barry Hines: I hated and loved him at the same time - for writing the world I saw every day, and for giving me hope to escape it ...”
Actor David Morrissey said: “Sad news bout Barry Hines. Loved his writing growing up, Kes, a huge influence on me, but also The Blinder, Looks and Smiles and Price of Coal. RIP.”
Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East, added: “Just seen this. Sad news. Such a brilliant, inspiring talent. RIP Barry Hines”.
Press Association
