Shropshire Star

Oyez, oyez: Shropshire town takes on 'Chainsaw Bloke' to be its first town crier for 30 years

A Shropshire town has welcomed its new town crier - almost 30 years after the last one hung up his bell.

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Joffrey Watson was born and bred in Much Wenlock and is familiar to many due to his unique career as a chainsaw sculptor.

Deputy Mayor Dan Thomas, Joffrey Watson and Mayor of Much Wenlock Marcus Themans

The 44-year-old has also previously sat on the town council, but on Saturday he was handed the heady responsibility of ringing his bell for the first time as Much Wenlock's new town crier.

The position was phased out in the medieval town around 30 years ago following the formation of Shropshire Council.

But town councillors were inspired to bring the role back after seeing how successful Shrewsbury's town crier, Martin Wood, has been at promoting the county town.