A RELATIVE of the famous astronomer who designed part of the Norman Lockyer observatory s telescope re-visited the site last week. Nick Grubb, 29, who works at Sidmouth Waitrose and lives in Ottery St Mary, is the great great grandson of Sir Howard Grubb

A RELATIVE of the famous astronomer who designed part of the Norman Lockyer observatory's telescope re-visited the site last week.

Nick Grubb, 29, who works at Sidmouth Waitrose and lives in Ottery St Mary, is the great great grandson of Sir Howard Grubb.

His ancestor, who was born in Dublin, designed the refractor on the telescope in the observatory.

Sir Howard Grubb is also credited with perfecting the design of the periscope and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1887.

Nick, who went along to the open day last Thursday, said: "I haven't been up there for a couple of years. I feel quite privileged. It is a bit of family history and I am quite chuffed in some ways.