Today, he's on the receiving end of calls from all over Europe - from businessmen seeking his advice.

At 67, the former managing director is just one of three Britons on the European Scientific and Technological Committee - a group which spends millions every year on scientific projects throughout Europe.

In his youth, few teachers, though, had recognised his talents.

But he went on to become boss of a company that at its peak spent £2 MILLION a day.

"I think I always had the potential at school but it wasn't recognised at the time," said Derek, now a governor of Knutsford High.

"So I hope my story is an inspiration to all the pupils, because people who achieve job satisfaction are the luckiest people in the world."

His life began above a chip shop in Northwich Road, Knutsford.

Dad Ambrose served in the chip shop, leaving mum Joan to care for Derek and his two sisters and a brother.

The family moved into the Tar House in 1934 where they lived a settled life until the Second World War broke out.

With his father fighting in Egypt, Derek, then just nine, and his family coped with rationing - and the influx of American soldiers.

"My mum found it difficult," said Derek.

"But the kids were interested in the new culture that the Americans brought."

"They came from the land of plenty and seemed to have everything."

The boy would deliver newspapers to the American's temporary camp on The Heath and admire their happy-go-lucky spirit.

Other soldiers, though, returning from battle, would arrive in Knutsford, looking bedraggled, weak and dejected.

"Two weeks after they had come home they had recuperated and would leave Knutsford fit and ready to go to war again," he said.

Derek's family would draw arrows on a large map in their home, depicting the Allied forces' movements.

"I never once had a doubt that we were going to win," he said.

When the war ended, Derek had left school with a good, but basic knowledge in the three R's - like most of his classmates.

And had gone on to get a job as an engineer - like many of his classmates.

In 1951, though, he was offered a job with the UK Atomic Energy Authority while studying engineering at Salford University.

He took the job and progressed from engineer to draughtsman to designer for the Knutsford-based National Nuclear Corporation.

Suddenly nuclear reactors and power stations became part of everyday life to the boy who'd school with no formal qualifications.

He worked as a project manager on revolutionary plans for two £2bn power stations.

The once timid schoolboy eventually became managing director of NNC with control of a company that, at its peak, spent £2m a day.

And visits to Tokyo, America, and Europe were just like 'popping next door'.

Eight years ago, his life's work was honoured with a CBE - and the old nerves that plagued him as a boy returned.

As he approached the Queen at Buckingham Palace, he remembered the words of advice he'd been given: 'Don't squeeze her hand too tightly or you'll be in trouble.'

"Everyone asks what we said to one another, but I can't remember because I was so caught up in the occasion," said Derek, of Glebelands Road, Knutsford.

Today, the retired grandfather, who married his childhood sweetheart Lorna in 1955, is happy at home.

"I love my grandchildren and my only hope for them is that they will be happy in later life."

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