A former Oswestry town crier has said resurrecting the position “can only be a good thing”.

Evan Mitchell was appointed in 1988 when he was just 18 years old and continued to serve until 1993.

He welcomed the news that the town council is now looking for someone to take on the duty in a bid to boost the town centre for residents, visitors and the local economy.

“I was always very proud to represent the town I grew up in and still consider to be home. In the UK Germany and globally in places like Canada and Australia often have an important ambassadorial role in representing a town on behalf of its citizens to tourists and visitors.

“During my tenure I was always struck by how much pride people took in their town crier and how positively received I always was at the many events that I attended, whether it was Oswestry Show or the annual Christmas parade, or even attending functions with the mayor from time to time. This was especially true on the many Saturday afternoons I appeared in the town centre.”

Mr Mitchell, who was the first Oswestry town crier in 80 years, said many local groups were involved in his appointment including Oswestry Chamber of Commerce which bought his bell, local artist Millicent Kaye who designed his regalia and used colours traditional to the town, while Robert Doman created the regalia which was paid for by Mr Mitchell’s father.

He continued: “For me it can only be a good thing that there is a town crier in Oswestry, this is purely a non-political ambassadorial role for the town. You only need to look at the brilliant town crier they have in Shrewsbury Martin Wood he has been an important ambassador for the town for probably over 30 years now.

“The most important thing for the council to remember is that they need to be very clear with the town crier, what their duties are and what events they would be needed at and how often. Get them involved with the tourism strategy and in Shropshire too if possible! Most importantly if you appoint a town crier support and encourage them.

“If I can be helpful in choosing the new town crier, then I would be delighted to be involved,” he added.