A special presentation for newly-retired Wootton Bassett town crier Fred 'Boots' Deacon had to be postponed after he lost his breath.

The vociferous and well-known 72-year-old was due to receive the presentation during the town's carnival fte on Saturday to mark his recent retirement after 29 years of service.

But Mr Deacon, of Fairfield, who has been forced into retirement due to ill health, had to be admitted to the Great Western Hospital on Friday night suffering from breathing problems. He was released on Monday and now says he feels much better.

"I do feel a lot better now but it was a shame to miss the presentation. Hopefully we'll be able to re-organise it for this Saturday," he said.

It was while serving as a military chef with the RAF in Sharjah that he earned himself the nickname 'Boots'.

While his comrades wore flip-flops and sandals, he had to wear boots, because of an ankle injury sustained in a motorbike accident.

Wootton Bassett mayor Chris Wannell said: "Fred has done a lot for the town over the years and we will carry out the presentation as soon as he is fit enough."