COMEDIAN, actor and TV personality Griff Rhys Jones has saluted those taking part in plans to celebrate Manningtree’s links with Shakespeare.

The historic town will be celebrating its connection with the bard on Saturday, while marking the 400th anniversary of his death.

The town was mentioned in Henry IV Part 1 in Act 2, Scene 4, when Falstaff is described as “that roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly”.

Mr Jones had been invited to the town on Saturday for a world record attempt for the most people reciting Henry V’s famous St Crispin’s Day speech at one time.

Unfortunately, the presenter is unable to attend on the day but in a message to those taking part, he said: “As I see it, the Manningtree Ox must refer to the size and the overpowering presence of something huge, great and wonderful.

“And what could possibly be more huge, great and wonderful than this plan to celebrate William Shakespeare’s anniversary with a record-breaking reading of the famous speech from Henry V?”

In a nod to Shakespeare, he added: “I salute Manningtree and I salute all who turn out to help.

"Shakespeare knew a thing or two.

"He recognised true associational glory.

“Floreat Manningtree. Let there be speechifying!

“And gentlemen in England now a’bed.

"Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here.”

The Rotary Club Manningtree Stour Valley honoured the town’s connection with Shakespeare in 2000 by putting up a metal sculpture of an ox in the town centre. It has a lighted globe inside it to represent the pudding.

Anyone interested in taking part in the world record bid should assemble in South Street, next to the Ox, on Saturday from 5pm.

On Sunday, there will be music, speeches and entertainment followed by speeches about the Ox in Manningtree Methodist Church from 7pm.