PUB landlord in Fairford, Rob Blake has taken over as town crier from Maurice Jones, who retired from his role after an impressive 30 years.

Rob, 66, landlord at The Plough Inn in Fairford has become the new town crier after being selected for the role by the town council.

"I’ve got very big shoes to fill, and I’ve never done anything like it before," said Rob. "I think the only reason I got the role is because I’ve got a good pair of tonsils and I’m not scared of using them."

Rob is certainly looking forward to his new role, which he will undertake in conjunction with his day job running the Arkell’s pub on London Road.

Brewery director George Arkell said: “Rob has the build, beard and personality to be a fantastic town crier, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in action in and around Fairford. Town crying is probably the oldest form of true social media.”

Town criers have been around for hundreds of years. They were historically officers of court who made public announcements on their behalf and became an important means of spreading local and national news to the many people who could not read or write.

Their outfits made them stand out, and even more so now. Rob’s outfit, which was paid for by the town council, was made especially for him by seamstress Barbara Daw who lives at Wootton-under-Edge and it takes him three quarters of an hour to get dressed.

“There are nine pieces of clothing to put on and one item to carry,” he said. His shoes have buckles and he also has to put on stockings, breeches, a waistcoat, coat, cape, jabot - a decorative ruffle around the neck - cuffs, hat and, of course, the bell.

Rob will be performing his new duties at various events over the Christmas period and is available for bookings where a town crier might be needed. Call him on 01285 712409.