VILLAGERS near Bromsgrove are looking at ways to find out more about the early life of a Nobel-prize winning scientist who was born there.

Sir John Vane, renowned as one of the most outstanding scientists of the 20th century, was born in Tardebigge in 1927 and went to the local state school.

His connection to the village had gone unnoticed until the Advertiser/Messenger published details following his recent death at the age of 77.

His name was brought up at a recent meeting of the school governors and the parish council was due to discuss its newly-found famous son at its meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

"I will try and find out some more details before the meeting for the members to discuss," said clerk Sheila Reynolds.

A spokesman for Bromsgrove District Council said they would be very interested in a newly-discovered famous Bromsgrovian.

"We would like to find out more about him, particularly the early years," the spokesman said.

Sir John shared the Nobel prize in 1982 for his work on the blood-thinning power of aspirin, widely regarded as saving millions of lives worldwide. He has a building named after him at the William Harvey Research Institute he founded in London.

In his autobiographical details, he notes being born in Tardebigge and being educated there before going to school and university in Birmingham. His father was a Russian immigrant and his mother came from a Worcestershire farming family and they bought him his first chemistry set.

Anyone with details about Sir John can get in touch with the Advertiser/Messenger on 01527 837000.