A CHORLEY Nobel prizewinner is to be honoured by his home town 50 years after his death.

Sir Walter Norman Howarth, who died in 1950, was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1937 for his research on synthesising Vitamin C, which made commercial production possible.

Now a special weekend, November 17-19, will be dedicated to Sir Howarth and his work, and the organisers, Chorley Borough Council, are even hoping to find his lost relatives to join in the event.

Local groups, including the Chorley Partnership, the Civic Society, Runshaw College and Chorley Health Food Shops, will be able to take part in a series events, from a 'Healthy Living Fair' and a chemistry lecture on vitamins to a classical concert and a commemorative church service at Hollinshead United Reformed Church.

Sir Haworth who lived in Bengal Street, Chorley, attended Hollinshead Street Primary and Chorley Grammar schools.

One of four brothers and two daughters, he went to the embryonic Manchester University to read chemistry -- and a brilliant career was launched.

Councillor Ann Bland, representative member for sport, arts and community development, said: "The Norman Haworth story is fascinating. He attended school until only 14 and then 'experimented' with dyestuffs at his father's lino factory. He just taught himself chemistry!" GENIUS: Sir Norman Haworth