A STOURPORT man who has ensured hundreds of parties went with a bang has raised a glass to his unique job.

Professional toastmaster, Howard Jones, who lives in Elan Avenue, took up the unusual vocation on the advice of friends and former colleagues.

He explained: "I worked in industry for a number of years and when I retired a lot of people told me I would make a good compere or master of ceremonies."

The 62-year-old has since rubbed shoulders with many celebrities through his work, including Conservative leader, Michael Howard, film director, Michael Winner and veteran comedian, Jimmy Tarbuck.

Mr Jones, who is Stourport Carnival's entertainment organiser, is one of only 10 people in the country trained to royal event standard by the late David Tilt, a well-known Worcestershire toastmaster.

Mr Tilt, who died last year, worked on functions all over the globe and was the toastmaster at the G8 summit of world leaders at Birmingham in 1998.

In order to become a member of the exclusive David Tilt and Associates group, Mr Jones had to pass some conventional examinations and other more unconventional tests.

He said: "The training course was an intensive two-week residential course that taught all the necessary skills and involved written examinations.

"The final test that I had to complete involved me going out into a field with Mr Tilt. I had to stand 400 metres away from him and announce, without shouting, so I could be clearly heard."

Mr Jones, who is married with two sons, conducted proceedings at last week's Worcestershire Ambassadors' Ball.

He added: "People often think that I simply turn up and make the toasts but I do much more than that. I visit clients to offer advice and arrive well before the events start, to liaise with banqueting staff, photographers, musicians and so on to ensure the event runs seamlessly."