Ilkley’s town crier rang in his final Christmas lights switch-on before he retires from the role.

After more than a decade of calling the public’s attention to the big switch-on in the town centre Chris Richards was himself the centre of attention last weekend.

In recognition of his years of service to the town, Ilkley Parish Council invited Mr Richards to officially light up the town for Christmas this year. He performed the duty – one of his last public functions – before a crowd on The Grove on Saturday afternoon. The Council is now looking for a new recruit to take on the role of Ilkley Town Crier.