Town crier Tony Appleton has got plenty to shout about.

After many years courting publicity Mr Appleton, of Great Baddow near Chelmsford, plans to open the world's first school for town criers.

He has seven people enrolled and is ready to start next month.

But Mr Appleton - or to give him his official title the Lord of the Manor of Great Baddow, which he bought six years ago - has ruffled the feathers of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

It has complained to Trading Standards disputing a claim he is the "greatest town crier in the world" in an advert for the school which appeared in Stage magazine.

But Mr Appleton, 62, insisted: "They've got it all wrong. It was Ivor Spencer, my manager, who said I was the best.

"It's just his opinion. When I got the letter I thought it was a joke.

"I've been sent a caution by police so I'll hold fire on the school until after any case but I will vigorously contest it."

"I can shout for four hours without losing my voice. I think there's an undercurrent of jealousy there," he said.

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