MAKING a switch from drama to science has paid dividends for a Fylde professor who is being given an international accolade.

Glyn Morton, from Freckleton, originally thought his destiny lay in the arts and was studying drama when he decided the world of tiny organisms held more appeal.

Now, 25 years on, the switch has proved fruitful after he was chosen to receive the Eggins Award from the Biodeterioration Society, presented every three years in recognition of the winner's work in his particular field.

Glyn's research in industrial microbiology has taken him all over the world from Canada to Brazil so he won't have a problem travelling to Washington DC in August to pick up his award during the society's international conference.

But true to his theatrical roots - he is a member of Fylde Coast Players and helps with other societies and shows throughout the Fylde - Glyn intends to steer clear of the usual formal acceptance speech by adding a few funny tales of his time as a research student with Howard Eggins, whom the award is named after.

"Most people will give a formal speech and a scientific lecture but I've called mine That's Another Fine Mess You've Got Me Into Howard," he said. "When you've spent 25 years of your life in science you can come up with a few amusing anecdotes somewhere along the line."

Acts that earned Glyn the accolade includes his work with industrial giants such as BNFL, ICI and Zeneca solving problems caused by micro organisms. This can include anything from something nasty destroying paint or legionnaires disease in water pipes, he said.

He has also had papers published in numerous journals but he remains modest, saying: "At the end of the day I'm just doing my job. Having said that I am pleased that the award has come to me and to Lancashire. I suppose it's a bit like showbiz in that you're only as good as your last paper.

"I really enjoy my work. It's all I know and I'm very lucky to be able to do it."

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