WOOTTON BASSETT town crier Fred "Boots" Deacon was one of four town residents honoured with a Civic Award at a town council ceremony in the Memorial Hall on Friday.

Mayor Percy Miles said the award reflected the prestige which these individuals have brought to the town.

"They have enhanced its reputation by their outstanding service to the community," he said.

Joe Gamble, John Knott and Vic Miller completed the line-up which brings the total of awards since 1996 to 12.

In a tribute to Mr Deacon, Coun Miles referred to the town crier's important role over the past quarter of a century, and praised the way in which he continues to fulfil this duty in all weathers.

"No event is too small and no cause too insignificant to warrant his thunderous attention. Beloved by young and old alike he is the very hallmark of the community spirit of Wootton Bassett," he said.

Mr Deacon has also been a great supporter of the Poppy appeal for which he has collected £743.25 in the past month.

Coun Mary Pierce, in proposing the award for Joe Gamble, spoke of his immense contribution to the life and work of the local Catholic Church, as a fundraiser and as a Eucharistic Minister who regularly visited sick and housebound parishioners until his mobility was limited by a stroke three years ago.

Mr Gamble, a life member of the Royal British Legion, was branch welfare officer for seven years, and his successful attacks on bureaucracy achieved tremendous benefits for individuals in great need.

John Knott was the instigator of the Town Diary to inform local people of forthcoming events, which is now a permanent feature of the library.

Mr Knott has been closely involved with the town magazine Community, gave outstanding service to the town during his years as caretaker of Noremarsh Junior School, from its opening in 1968 until his retirement in 1987 and also did sterling work for the town's carnival.

Coun Audrey Wannell proposed the award for Vic Miller, who has held many offices, including that of Group Scout Leader, with the 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group. He is still a member of the Group Executive and co-ordinates the Scouts' Christmas Post.

He is also a leading member of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust.