After a decade of ringing the changes, Ledbury Town Crier Mike Evans is to hang up his hat, silence his bell and hand over his two uniforms to a younger man.

Mr Evans, 67, of The Priory, had already been 'crying' for a decade at the Carnival before becoming "official". He said: "I just feel now that it's time to move on. I'm just one of those people who likes to move on in life, and to look towards other fields."

He is hoping to write, and also to spend more time with his grandchildren.

As Town Crier, he cried on television for Heart of the Country and also when jazz star George Melly came to town. Normal duties include civic and other public occasions, when required.

There have already been five applications for Mr Evans' position and an appointment will be made in the new year.