IT'S the most famous sign in the world - and now it's inspired a touch of showbusiness glitz in a little corner of Oldham.

Motorists in Hollinwood were stunned after a recreation of the famous Hollywood sign appeared at the side of the M60.

A couple of letters were changed to reflect its location, and at 3ft high it was a bit smaller than its American counterpart.

Mystery surrounds who is responsible for the mock up, which appeared on Monday on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 21 and 22, but then disappeared hours later by Highways Agency officials.

Whoever it was clearly went to some effort - the sign was supported by a large hand-made wooden frame.

Before it disappeared, locals welcomed the new addition to the landscape.

Barman Derek Middleton, 25, works at the Bowling Green Inn, on nearby Manchester Road.

He said: "The locals have been talking about it and they all think it's great. But it's not really like Hollywood here. It's a bit dreary and a bit less glamorous, and we don't get the weather. Manchester Road is the closest we get to Sunset Strip."

Landmark

Coun Keith Pendlebury said: "People here tend to deal with the real life rather than make believe. And I've not seen Posh and Becks strolling down Manchester Road yet."

The Hollywood sign was created in 1923 in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. It has been used in hundreds of movies and is a well known icon.

Unfortunately Hollinwood's cinema, The Roxy - about half a mile from the new sign - was knocked down in 2007 after falling attendances.

And it seems the signs are where the similarities end.

Hollywood has had summer temperatures of around 30C - in Hollinwood it's around 18.

Homes in glitzy West Hollywood regularly trade hands for over $3m whereas a three-bed terrace in Hollinwood can be yours for as little as £85,000.

The sign is the region's latest link with California.

Last month it emerged Manchester is to establish a formal `friendship agreement' with Los Angeles to develop links in business, art, culture, science and education.

The link came about after an approach from LA, which was looking for a suitable partner and chose Manchester ahead of London and Birmingham.

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