WOOTTON Bassett has a new town crier, after Fred 'Boots' Deacon had his last outing in the role at last week's carnival.
Owen Collier, 45, of Blackthorn Place, also takes over as the town's sword bearer.
He has had his portrait painted by Wootton Bassett and District Arts Society member Lynne Davey.
Mr Collier this month came third at the South of England Championship for town criers.
Last October he competed at the national championships in Hastings, and in the previous month was chosen as best-dressed crier at a competition in Bishop's Castle.
Fred Deacon, 72, was forced to take retirement because of ill health after 29 years in the job.
Mr Deacon, of Fairfield, was due to receive a presentation during the Wootton Bassett carnival fte on Saturday to mark his retirement but had to be admitted to the Great Western Hospital suffering from breathing problems.
He was released three days later.
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