TOWN crier Andrew Norris will not just be ringing in the New Year in Wellington, he is also creating a piece of its history.

It is 100 years since the bell used by Mr Norris was presented to the town.

The century-old bell has an engraving which reads: “Borough of Wellington, Nov 1925, W Herbert Ham, Portreeve.”

A ‘portreeve’ was an official title for a person who had a position of authority in the town, often dealing with politics, administration, and finances.

The ‘portreeve’ oversaw the Court Leet, which was an early example of local governance dealing with criminal cases and regulating trade, dating to the time of William the Conqueror and possibly earlier.

A town council spokesperson said: “Our town crier’s bell is not just there for looks, it is a genuine historical item that celebrated its 100th birthday.”

Mr Norris, a former Vicar of Milverton, broadcasts with Wiveliscombe-based 10 Radio, helps with the Wellington Weekly’s Christian Comment column, and has also appeared in shows by Wellington Pantomime Group.

He was appointed Wellington Town Crier in April, 2022, and has been involved in most of the council’s major civic occasions, including the proclamation of the coronation of King Charles III and the commemorations of the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days.