CINDERFORD professor Sir John Beddington (pictured) is advising the Prime Minister how to handle the nuclear crisis in Japan.

The son of well-known Forest author and poet, Harry Beddington, is now the Government's chief scientific adviser.

The 65-year-old is leading the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies as it responds to the worsening situation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant which has been hit by a series of explosions.

The three times married scientist, who was brought up on Belle Vue Road and has numerous relatives in the Forest, is also briefing the emergency Cobra meetings at 10 Downing Street.