Ref. 27932-39TOWN Crier Fred Ferris is best known for his booming voice but now his dapper looks are also grabbing attention.

Now the 72-year-old from Penhill Drive wants other Swindon men to smarten up their acts, after winning the country's best-dressed town crier award at a competition in Yorkshire.

"I wouldn't say men in Swindon are different from the rest of the country, but they all seem to be going for a leisurely look by wearing T-shirts," he said. "I don't find that acceptable."

Mr Ferris, of Penhill Drive, beat 11 other professional criers for the award. It's the second time he has been noted for his appearance as last year he won the best-dressed title at a competition in Blackpool.

And he puts his success down to a strict grooming regime and his new bespoke GWR station master's costume, made by Jensons, of Cricklade Road, in the Great Western colours of green, black and gold.

Mr Ferris, who likes to shout about Swindon's attractions at every opportunity, spends at least half an hour cleaning the brass buttons on his top coat. He polishes his shoes so he can see his reflection in the toecaps. "The children call me Mr Shiny," he said.

He keeps his beard regularly trimmed and his wife Gwyneth, 48, who is a hairdresser looks after his silver locks.

Mr Ferris uses steam iron to press his trousers. "I never allow a lady to press them. I let my sister do it once and she got the creases all wrong," he said.

And regardless of whether he is in costume or not, Mr Ferris follows a strict grooming regime. "I never go out with dirty shoes. I was brought up that way. I wasn't allowed out unless I was tidy."

Bhavani Vadde

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