WOOTTON Bassett's town crier is to hang up his bell after 29 years.

Fred Deacon, known as Boots, is a well-known figure around the town, but ill health has led him to call it a day.

He will also be retiring from his role as official sword bearer for the town mayor.

But he's reserving the right to step in when needed.

He said: "I won't be the town crier, but I'll probably still dress up in the uniform, and I can always stand in for the new crier if he's busy."

After three years as deputy, Owen Collier will take over as town crier in May.

Fred's last official duties will be at the Mayor Making on May 12 when he will carry the ceremonial sword ahead of the civic party.

Fred, 72, began his working life as an apprentice baker and confectioner in London but decided to join the

Royal Air Force he says so that he could afford to smoke.

He was posted to Lyneham in 1969 but his RAF career came to an abrupt end after he woke up one day at the RAF hospital at Wroughton following a motorbike accident.

He said: "I'd come off my motorbike head first, but I couldn't remember anything about it." Next he became a cook at Ridgeway House old people's home in Wootton Bassett and then worked in local abattoirs until he retired 10 years ago.

He became a town crier after trying to spur his son into winning a school sports race 29 years ago.

He said: "I told my son Kevin that if he won his race I would win the town crier competition. And we both won."

Fred, whose wife Jean died four years ago, was given the name Boots when he was stationed as a military chef in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

While his comrades wore flip-flops and sandals, he had to wear boots, because of an ankle injury he had received in another motorbike accident.

Fred has had health problems recently, particularly with diabetes, which have forced him into retirement.

"I've had a marvellous time," he said. "We've had some laughs, especially with the kids because they always think I'm a pirate.

"I keep telling them I'm not because I haven't got a parrot on my shoulder.

"I don't regret retiring because I have got to take it a bit easier now. My legs are giving out and I'm getting old."

Coun Susan Cooksley, the town's mayor, said: "We all extend to Boots our very best wishes and thank him for his 29 years of tireless service to the town.

"He will be greatly missed. He's been an institution in this town.

"He's been crying for major and minor events, and even for people's birthdays, so he's been a major part of our town life.

"He's a lovely man very kind and gentle."

Dave Andrew