RETIRED mill worker and grandmother Margaret McNeish is all of a buzz.

In her 82 years she's become used to having a famous son for her elder boy, Pete, is a founder member of legendary punk rock band The Buzzcocks.

Next week she'll be one of the happiest people in town when Pete (stage name Shelley) receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton.

Music lover Mrs McNeish is used to Pete regularly calling at her terraced home in Leigh town centre.

"He lives in London but comes and sees me as often as he can. He was in his early 20s when they started the group and he's never done anything else.

"He's still touring with The Buzzcocks.

"He's not changed and he's still got a Leigh accent," said his proud mum, who in younger days lived in the pit yard at Astley Green and worked in the card room at Astley factory.

"I like all kinds of music but 'Ever Fallen in Love' which Pete wrote is my Buzzcocks' favourite."

Pete was born in 1955 at number 48 Milton Street, Leigh to Margaret and her late husband, John McNeish, who was a fitter at Astley Green colliery. He is three years older than his brother, Gary, who now lives in Australia.

Now Pete will attend a ceremony along with hundreds of graduates at the Victoria Hall in Bolton with Howard Devoto an original member of The Buzzcocks.

Thirty-odd years ago they were at the then Bolton college where they studied humanities. They are being recognised for their contribution to music.