On Wednesday, Roger Hewitt will don his town crier regalia and read one of his hand-written short scripts opening Knaresborough market.

It's something Roger has done every Wednesday for more than eight years, making him one of the most familiar faces — and voices — in Knaresborough.

But this will be the last time he performs the civic duty, which stretches back to the 1600s, before retiring.

He remains an incredibly popular figure, so why is he stepping down?

Roger has a fine line in self-deprecation. He describes himself as a Knaresborough incomer, having only lived in the town for 44 years. He taught chemistry at Harrogate Grammar School for 23 years before becoming town crier. He says:

The town crier role, which is managed by Knaresborough & District Chamber, appealed because he was "coming up to retirement age and the wife was keen for me to have something to do".

Roger's background in amateur dramatics, alongside his humour, people skills and commitment to the role  —  he often agrees to appear at coffee mornings and charity events above and beyond the call of duty — have made him the perfect town crier. It's worked for him, too.

Although Roger is leaving the role, he's most certainly not leaving Knaresborough. He says he and his wife would like to do something together now. What makes the town so special?

Tradition dictates he opens the Wednesday market at 11am even though, as he puts it, "the fish man is nearly sold out by then".

He writes 150 to 200 words for each cry, which lasts about 90 seconds and always includes three 'Oyez' and 'God save the King'. He admits to one time mistakenly shouting 'God save the Queen' after she had died.

Does he have any advice for his successor, Mark Hunter, who in a break from tradition will also have two deputies?

How will he feel after making his final cry?

Read more:

• Knaresborough town crier Roger Hewitt to retire


• Mark Hunter wins contest to be Knaresborough’s next town crier