The Leamington homes of American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, former borough engineer William de Normanville and Leamington's first mayor will be marked with the heritage plaques due to be unveiled this spring.

The three were among candidates considered either to have made a significant contribution to the town or society at large.

Nathaniel Hawthorne lived for a time at 10 Lansdowne Circus while on literay tours. His plaque is being sponsored by Leamington Town Council.

Warwick District Council is sponsoring a plaque at the Clarendon Crescent home of William de Normanville, who was responsible for ironwork at Mill Bridge, parts of Warwick's old post office, extensions to the Pump Room and other public works.

Alderman S. T. Wackrill was the first mayor of Leamington Spa and lived in Portland Street. His plaque is being sponsored by Central Leamington Area Residents Association.

Warwick District Council's conservation architect Alan Mayes said: "The blue plaque scheme will provide a tribute to significant figures from the town's past as well as raise awareness of the history of the town amongst current and future generations."

Existing plaques to historic figures in Leamington include Napoleon III in Clarendon Square, Dr Jephson in the Parade, and early Wimbledon tennis players the Renshaw twins in Holly Walk and Victorian critic and commentator John Ruskin in Russell Terrace.

Further plaques are planned, and applications should be made to Leamington town council.

A leaflet is available from Leamington tourist information centre.