Marilyn Monroe impersonator becomes new town crier

Charlotte Howard has been a boxing MC, a kissogram and an actor - but it's her latest role that is causing her some nervousness.

She's been crowned the first female town crier for Devizes in Wiltshire - a role which will see her bellow out "oyez, oyez, oyez!" at local events.

The horticulturist, who has also worked as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and appeared in Doctor Who, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "Normally I'm hiding behind a character, but this is just me being Charlotte in my own community waiting to be heard."

Howard's deep green robes she wears for the role are thought to have originally belonged to the late Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons.

Town criers date back to medieval times and today play a ceremonial role in town life, helping to boost tourism, hosting events and supporting charities.

Howard said her friends encouraged her to enter a Devizes Town Council competition for the role in July. She went through auditions in front of large crowds in the town centre.

Each competitor delivered a traditional cry which began with "oyez! oyez! oyez!" - which means "hear me" - and ended with "God Save the King".

Howard, who is originally from Melksham but now lives in West Lavington, joked she probably got the job "because I've got a big gob".

"This is a job which is made for me, a woman with a far and commanding voice," she added.

"I've spent a surprising amount of time standing in front of people making a lot of noise, from announcing professional boxers to performing on stage, so perhaps becoming a Town Crier was inevitable."

She had her first public cry on Thursday in Devizes. She began at Albion Place before taking to the Brittox and then finally the Market Place.

Howard will also appear at events such as the Food and Drink Festival, Carnival, Heritage Open Day, the Colour Rush and the town's Confetti Battle.

She added: "I've done all sorts of terrifying things in my time. I've been a boxing MC, I've been a kissogram, I've done acting, I've done producing. I've never been so terrified as doing this."

It was Mayor of Devizes, Vanessa Tanner, who brought back the town crier tradition to Devizes after a gap of 20 years.

"I'm chuffed to bits that this tradition has been revived," she said. "Not only will our town crier be a great tourist attraction, her proclamations are a great way to engage our community and add a sense of light-heartedness to our town.

"Charlotte is the perfect choice with her big personality, performance background and, most importantly, her loud, engaging voice."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.