A NORTH Yorkshire town is preparing to honour the tri-centenary of its famous son who overcame disability to become one of the North’s most influential road builders.

John Metcalf, known as ‘Blind Jack’, lost his sight at the age of six from smallpox. He was born in Knaresborough in 1717 and built 180 miles of road in five counties. He died in 1810.

Now the community is preparing to celebrate his life with a series of special events. These include a ‘Blind Jack Tea Party’ at the Cedar Court Hotel, in Harrogate, on June 28. A concert will also take place on August 12 at St John the Baptist Church, in Knaresborough.