Amy Pantall

EVENTS in Westbury will have a familiar sound to them after the town council appointed a new town crier.

John Hadfield, of Briar Close, Westbury, made his debut appearance as the new town crier on December 3 when he attended the Christmas lights switch-on event.

He has several other appearances lined up this month and is looking forward to what the future holds.

He said: “After applying for the position I didn't really think I would get it; for starters I thought I had a rather soft voice.

“But the town council got in contact with me and I had an interview, and after doing a few tests they gave it to me.

“I thought it was great, and I get along well with the people on the council, they are lovely people.”

Mr Hadfield moved to Westbury two and a half years ago with Heather, his wife of 30 years, after they both retired.

They lived in Twickenham for 42 years before moving to Westbury, where Mr Hadfield worked as a ticket inspector, guard and ticket office clerk for South West Trains.

Before retiring, he took evening classes in amateur dramatics, which he believes may have provided him with some skills needed for his new role.

He now enjoys playing bridge, which he often plays in local clubs and has been honoured with the grade Premier Regional Master.