AFTER two decades of holding up an ancient and much-loved tradition, Alan Oliver is to take a breather.
Every day for 20 years Mr Oliver, a postman, has donned the distinctive tricorn hat and frock coat that go with the 1,000-year-old role of Ripon Hornblower.
The job means blowing the horn every night in the city's market square.
It has made him one of the most high-profile local citizens and a tourist attraction in his own right.
But at the end of this month he will be blowing the horn for the last time as he has decided to step down from the role.
Ripon Mayor Councillor Stuart Martin said: "I am sad he is leaving because he is such a fantastic ambassador.
"But I perfectly understand that after 20 years he wants some of his life back.
"It is a demanding job, seven days a week, at 9pm every night."
The tradition will continue and a replacement hornblower is being sought.
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