Events centre on Burnham Thorpe, where he was born, and organisers say it will be a celebration of the man rather than the battles – marked three years ago on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The focal point will be a service of thanksgiving at All Saints' Church where Nelson's father was rector. It will be held at 2pm on Sunday, September 28, when sea cadets will stage a parade.

The three-day celebration has been organised by the 1805 Club which conserves monuments of Georgian naval heroes.

"Nelson's deeds were celebrated three years ago under the banner of the Battle of Trafalgar, but that is no reason for his 250th birthday to be overlooked because in Nelson, we have an immortal hero," said chairman Peter Warwick.

"This anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate his life rather than commemorate his battles. In particular, it allows us to focus on a period of his life that is the most neglected – the early and formative years from his childhood," he added.

An exhibition of Nelson paintings, rare books and manuscripts will be held at the church from Sunday, September 28, until the end of October. It will be open between 10am and 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

A Nelson birthday concert will also be held at the church and further information about tickets is available on 0774 8954393.

The 1805 Club was founded in 1990 to care for the memorials of the Georgian navy and has been involved in more than 40 projects as well as organising events for both members and the public. Further information is available at www.1805Club.org