Trowbridge Town Crier Trevor Heeks marked the start of the town’s carnival season by exercising his right as a Freeman of the town to walk a sheep through the streets.

Saturday’s Carnival Country Fair was held exactly 28 years since he became crier, so he borrowed a sheep from Larkrise Farm to parade.

Meanwhile, a loud shout is out in Westbury for a new crier, after Sean Price announced he would resign next June on his 20th anni-versary in the role.

He decided he is no longer able to commit enough time to the role.

Father-of-four Mr Price, 47, who lives in Shoreland Close, Westbury, with his wife Fiona, said he had taken the difficult decision as he felt the time was right for someone new to replace him.

Mr Price became town crier in August 1995 after he was asked by his mother, who was organising an event as president of the Westbury Inner Wheel, to take on the role.

He initially had to wear a hired Captain Hook costume, but eventually the money was raised for a proper outfit after he said he would leave unless he got one.

Mr Price, who was the youngest town crier in the country when he started, said: “It’s something I have thought about for a while as I’m getting busier with my family and with Westbury Wheelers and Avon Valley Runners.

“I’m also event director for Parkrun, so I feel it’s time to give someone else a chance to do it. It really is an amazing role and I can’t believe how much it changed me as a character.

“I still really enjoy it and it’s built my confidence so much.

“I remember my first job was at Matravers School and I was shaking so much, but now I stand up in front of 3,000 people with my chest pushed out as I’m proud to represent the town.

“I have met some amazing members of the community who dedicate their time to make Westbury great. It’s been a privilege for me to serve for so long and it was an immensely difficult decision for me to make.”

He has won four town crier competitions during his tenure – victorious in South Gloucester-shire in 1997; at Mells Daffodil Festival in 1999 and 2000; and Wootton Bassett in 2007.

Mr Price added: “For the right person who is passionate about the job it could be a fantastic experience.”