After 12 years plotting the twists and turns in Coronation Street, scriptwriter Daran Little is turning his attention closer to home.

Mr Little, 35, is trying to unravel his family history as he brings his grandfather Sidney Horner's life story to the small screen.

It's a million miles away from the daily exploits of Vera Duckworth et al.

The tale has the essential ingredients of class, forbidden love and family conflict - topped off with a mystery death.

Mr Little wants to tell how Sidney was cut off from his wealthy family after falling in love with the wrong girl.

But first he needs to trace his long-lost relatives to fill in the gaps.

He said: "My grandfather's mother died in the flu epidemic of 1918 and he was brought up by his grandparents Arthur and Phoebe Horner, who ran the famous old Brighton seafront hotel Claridges.

"The family felt my grandfather was marrying beneath him so this great hotelier clan cut him off."

Mr Little hopes to trace his grandfather's three half-sisters who may still live in Brighton.

Mr Little said: "I've always had an interest in genealogy as a hobby. I have done quite a bit of research but there are some holes I'd really like to fill.

"After his wife died, my grandfather's father remarried and had three daughters. It is these three half-sisters I am trying to trace."

The three are Jean Horner, born in 1925; Joyce Horner, born in 1928 and Phyllis Horner, born in 1931.

Mr Little said: "My grandfather died in 1950 when my mother was nine and I inherited all these stories."

If you can help him, call 01273 544530.