AFTER 27 years of service to Wootton Bassett, town crier Fred Deacon is finally shutting up.

Mr Deacon, 70, of Fair-field, Wootton Bassett said: "My health isn't that good and my voice is going hoarse, probably as a result of all that shouting, which is why I am giving it up to pass on to a younger man.

"I have had some great times doing the job. I am always a big draw for the tourists, especially the Americans who always seem a little bemused.

"The biggest qualification you need for this job, apart from a loud voice, is to be completely barking mad and not to mind dressing up in strange clothes and having people stare at you. And I think I fulfil those criteria pretty well."

Mr Deacon can be seen on the High Street of Wootton Bassett most Saturdays advertising forthcoming local events and services, and always has a prominent position in town parades.

He said: "I always lead the parade of town councillors and the mayor to church for the civic service and the procession at the mayor making and at the Remembrance Day parade.

"I suppose you could say that the best bit of my job is that I know pretty much everybody in Wootton Bassett by now.

"I have known generations of children during my time in the job, some of whom have now got children of their own who enjoy coming to see me do my thing.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, but as my legs get a bit dicky I am certainly not going to miss pounding up and down that High Street in all weathers!"

The man who is going to step into Mr Deacon's feathered tricorn is Owen Collier, 45, of Blackthorn Close, Wootton Bassett.

He said: "I am in a historical re-enactment society, so I am used to dressing up.

"The town clerk and I have been designing a new costume for me, based around maroon and white, with a Duke of Wellington style hat. As I am a re-enactment purist I will also be insisting on wearing proper stocking hose rather than socks."