Tributes paid to Weston's town crier Brian 'Pluto' Venn

Mr Venn was described a a "larger than life character"

Tributes have been paid to Weston-super-Mare's town crier at his funeral by his peers from other towns across the West Country.

Brian Venn, known to his friends as Pluto, died on 31 December at his home aged 80.

Speaking after the service, fellow crier Tony Evans said he had travelled all around the world with Pluto.

"In 1995 he took the World Title from the Australians in Ballarat and beat them on their own patch," he said.

Mr Evans, who is the town crier for Nailsworth and Minchinhampton, added that Pluto was a well-loved figure in the town who would do "anything for anybody".

"If anyone asked him Pluto would do it for them - that was Pluto."

Trowbridge's town crier, Trevor Heeks, said during the service at Weston's Ebdon Road cemetery Pluto's love of fishing, sign writing, plant growing and his charity work was mentioned.

"Pluto was well known not only in Weston but across the world.

"He was a larger than life character who not only loved life but truly appreciated life."