Former headteacher wins ding-dong contest to take up the historic role

LYME Regis has a new town crier – after a shouting match at The Guildhall.

Retired headteacher Alan Vian put in a masterly performance to beat two other contenders for the job.

Councillors were impressed with his commitment and enthusiasm - and awarded him the post ahead of Andrew Brown and Ruth Katz.

Mr Vian, a leading light in the town’s regatta and carnival committee, succeeds award-winning town crier Phil Street who has moved to France to live.