Now Listen Up..... (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Now Listen Up.....

ENGLISH tradition will be ringing in the ears of Tetbury people this weekend as the new town crier takes to the streets for the first time.

Derek Jackson, of Hampton Street, will be dressed in his finery and calling out 'Oyez Oyez' to promote the town's forthcoming Festive Weekend.

Visitors will be able to see him from 10.30am at the Market House. Derek won't be easily missed because his new costume is blue and gold and he will be carrying a scroll and bell.

He said: "I picked my costume up on Thursday. It's absolutely superb. It changes the whole mental outlook. I feel like a real town crier."

Derek has been getting a few handy tips for the role from Fairford's town crier Maurice Jones, and he has a few tricks up his frilly sleeves himself.

Derek said: "I was told once by an opera singer to have a glass of sherry before you go on stage. It lubricates the vocal chords, so I'm going to try it. "I don't want to lose my voice midstream."

The festive weekend takes place on December 5,6 and 7.

BBC Points West presenter David Garmston is expected to turn on the Christmas lights.