A town crier will ring his bell for the last time at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on, retiring after 10 years in the post.

Beaminster town crier, David Craner, who also cries for Crewkerne, announced that it was “after great thought and with a heavy heart” he had decided it will be his last year as town crier, even thought he “thoroughly enjoyed” his involvement in both towns and “will miss it greatly”.

He said: “It was the right time to call it a day, but I will stay until the end of the year

“One highlight would have to be when I brought the Dorset County Town Crying Championship trophy home – which I have won on a couple of occasions.

“I also went to Abbeyfield [retirement home] on Boxing Day last year and spent a couple of hours preparing their meal, which was lovely.

“I will miss all the town events especially the Beaminster Festival - I have really enjoyed every thing I do.

“I have had a lot of support from local people and so many nice messages with people saying how sorry they are.

“It is always nice for people to recognise you as you walk through the street, even when I am not dressed up.

“I would like to thank the town council for all their support – the staff are fantastic – and the shopkeepers, who have been very supportive.

“One thing I will miss is when I would go into town and people travelling would make Beaminster their stopping off point and I have met lots of people from all over who wanted to have their photo taken with me.

“Once again, thank you to everyone and if they get a town crier replacement, I will be more than happy to show them what I have learnt.”

Mr Craner was the first town crier for Beaminster since 1952 and he took on the role when he lived in Bridport, travelling to Crewkerne to cry there. He approached the town council about taking on the position and has paid all his own expenses.

He can be seen on the first Friday of every month in Beaminster Square from 11am, where he is more than happy to do a cry for businesses or events.