A RETIRED schoolteacher has been picked as Chester-le-Street's first town crier.
Marjorie Dodds was the only woman out of five candidates shortlisted for the post, all of whom were put before an impromptu audience of shoppers and judges in the town centre on Friday.
But it was Marjorie's performance which shone through, and the former teacher attributed her success to her experience of commanding the attention of a class.
She said: "I am thrilled to bits to have been chosen as Chester-le-Street's first ever town crier. I relish promoting Chester-le-Street."
Marjorie's first appearance for the council will be on November 30, to help launch Chester-le-Street's Christmas celebrations. The event will include Santa's arrival and the switching-on of the Christmas lights.
The Traders' Association is to supply her with a £2,000 town crier's outfit.
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