A NEW play by a local drama group is set to tell the real story behind the man who cracked the famous Enigma code in the Second World War.

Breaking The Code, by the Preston Drama Club, charts the rise and fall of famous mathematician Allan Turing.

Turing helped invent the world's first computer, and found the key to the German's Enigma code, used during the Second World War to communicate in secret across Europe.

But the brilliant scientist was also a homosexual and faced prosecution for gross indecency when his 'secret' was discovered.

Margaret Mayor, director of the play, is convinced the story -- based on the biography by Andrew Hodges -- will appeal to everyone fond of intriguing, emotional drama.

"It is all about his homosexuality and the persecution he suffered," said Margaret. "When he started work he had this idea of a computer. He thought that a computer would be able to think and people thought he was a bit nuts. The clergy didn't like it very much."

Eventually Turing was ordered to take hormones to 'cure' him of his homosexuality.

Margaret said: "He had a fantastic brain, and was more of a philosopher than a mathematician.

"After all he had done in the war and getting the OBE, the pressure got to him and he apparently committed suicide -- but that is still very much up in the air."

The play runs from Wednesday, February 20, to Saturday, February 23, at the Playhouse Theatre on Market Street West. Tickets are £4.50 from the Drama Club box office on 744771.