Prolific Chinese martial arts novelist Louis Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, on Tuesday received the Life Achievement Award of Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2009 in recognition of his achievements and contributions to local culture and arts.

Chinese martial arts novelist Louis Cha. (Xinhua file Photo)

Born in east China's Zhejiang province and carving out most of his career in Hong Kong, 86-year-old Cha is one of the most influential modern Chinese-language novelists.

Cha's wuxia fiction, or martial arts stories, has a widespread followers in Chinese-speaking areas, with numerous adaptations into films, television series, plays, comics and video games, said Tang.

It is estimated that his novels have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, earned him the reputation of a top Chinese best- selling writer alive.

Cha's works have been translated into Korean, English, Japanese, French, Vietnamese, Indonesian and several other languages. He had a lot of fans at home and abroad.

Cha also co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao in 1959 and has been a prominent figure in the press and social politics. In recent yeas, he is also actively involved in research and teaching.

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council on Tuesday presented awards to over 30 local artists, arts organizations, schools in recognition of their support and contribution to the arts development in Hong Kong.

Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the council, said the sound development of arts and culture in Hong Kong over the past decades owed to the tireless efforts of the local artists.

The Arts Development Awards 2009 also included awards for young artists, best artist, arts education, arts promotion and arts sponsorship.