NEWLY appointed Yarmouth town crier, Steve King, started his tenure by giving out red roses to ladies on Valentine's Day.

Steve, 75, formerly the Ryde town crier, has taken on the role in the West Wight and is just one of two town criers on the Island, the other being John Davies in Sandown.

He said: "Originally, I was asked to be the Ryde town crier in 2009, after being parade Marshall for the Royal British Legion.

"However, on leaving the Ryde role, I wanted to continue and Yarmouth have agreed for me to represent the town.

"It's all about tradition, we were the forerunners to newspapers, phones and iPods. We were protected by the motto, 'don't shoot the messenger', because that would mean the town didn't receive its news.

"I hope to attend all the main events the town hosts during the year including the Pancake Day Races, Duck Race and Sea Songs and Shanties.

"To start my role, I thought it would be a nice touch, on Valentine's Day, to present all the lovely ladies in town with a red rose. I was given a warm reception wherever I went."

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