Tributes to world's oldest town crier

Today tributes were paid to the man who held the crown for being the world's oldest town crier.

Roy Harper, husband to Percy's daughter Cathryn, knew Percy for 45 years.

He described him as a warm, fun-loving man who was incredibly generous and popular.

"Percy had such a big personality," said Mr Harper, who like Percy was born in Wolverhampton but moved to Wellington.

"He did anything that anyone asked him for.

"He was that kind of person, very kind-hearted.

"He loved fundraising and he always donated to charities.

"We'll all miss him."

Percy was active right up to his death at the age of 92.

He lost his wife Edna some years ago. He had two grandchildren, James and Stephanie, as well as four great-grandchildren.

He had a passion for music, was a banjo player and also loved karaoke.

And Mr Harper said his beloved father-in-law was deeply proud of his role as town crier.

"He used to call himself rent-a-mouth – have mouth will travel," Mr Harper said.

"He just loved doing it. He loved to be heard. He turned up at any occasion, whenever he was needed, he'd go everywhere.

"We knew he did all this but until we've opened up all his boxes since he died, we didn't realise just how much he'd done. It's amazing."

Last year he was still in fine voice when the people of Wellington turned out to celebrate their market charter.

Telford & Wrekin Councillor Angela McClements paid tribute to Percy saying: "Percy was a larger than life character, a true gentleman, who brought a little sparkle to every occasion.

"He will be remembered for his immense contribution to the community of Wellington which he performed so magnificently."

As for the man himself, in an interview with the Shropshire Star in 2012 he revealed his love for his hobby, speaking of his pride at naming Wolverhampton as a city in 2000.

"The world cameras were on me that day in the square of Wolverhampton," Percy said.

"It took me around the world and back again. It was shown in America, Australia, Bermuda and Germany."

Shrewsbury town crier Martin Wood said: "Percy's main piece of advice was to never give up the day job.

"He was well respected by town criers all over the world and I have even had some criers from America and Australia send me a message on Facebook to pass on their condolences.

"I do know that at his funeral myself and few other criers will be there to give him a loud send off, as I am sure he would have loved that.

"But he was a lovely lad and he will be missed by many."

Percy's funeral will be held in Telford later this month and is being arranged by Harry Edwards & Sons Funeral Directors in Wellington.