Crier to retire as city hunts for replacement

Len Sweales has helped train other town criers

A city is looking to fill its town crier's shoes as he prepares to retire after 25 years.

Len Sweales was appointed Wells' town crier in 2001 and became a "huge figure" in the city, its mayor said, meeting the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and winning various awards for his crying, including Best Dressed Crier.

Now 80, Mr Sweales has announced he will ring his bell for the final time in May 2026, with Wells City Council now tasked with finding a replacement.

Louis Agabani, mayor of Wells, said men and women who have respect for tradition and a desire to be part of Wells were invited to apply.

Mr Agabani said: "He is 80 years old so he feels that it's a good milestone he's reached and it's a good time for him to, regrettably, retire so he will be dearly missed.

"He is respected nationally. There is an association of town criers; his involvement in training, giving lectures about the history of the role is phenomenal.

"In Wells, he's a huge figure, he's one of the only stabilities or stable positions we have in the city over the last 25 years."

He said the position of town crier was a voluntary role, with six or seven events requiring attendance per year.

Although Mr Sweales had "made the role his own", Mr Agabani added.

"I think it will be quite difficult to fill his shoes," he said.

"But confidence, the availability, the respect for tradition and the desire to be part of the city are quite important because it is a big part of the city."