LARGER-THAN-LIFE Fred 'Boots' Deacon, the town crier of Wootton Bassett, is looking for a deputy, but he said you have to be raving mad and quick-witted to take up the position.
Mr Deacon, 69, of Fairfield, Wootton Bassett, has been the town crier since May 1976, but said he is looking for someone to shoulder some of the workload.
"They will have to work on it and build up their own character, plus they have to be completely raving mad, quick-witted and larger-than-life," said Mr Deacon, who is known as Boots in the town.
The town crier has four official duties in a year. These are mayor-making in May, the mayor's civic service, Remembrance Sunday and visits of foreign children to the town.
On top of that, Mr Deacon also attends events each Saturday morning, dressed in the traditional green coat and yellow shoes.
"I want a bit of a rest and hope that someone can take on some of the events," said Mr Deacon.
"The town crier is a great position and so many people in the town get to know you, I hope someone comes forward to take it on."
Applicants must be aged 21 or over and live within three miles of the parish of Wootton Bassett. For details call (01793) 850222.
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