Dickens of a day as Town Crier made Honorary Freeman of Lymm

VIDEO: IT was a Dickens of a day at the annual Lymm Dickensian Festival a popular Town Crier Peter Powell was made an Honorary Freeman of Lymm.

He was given the honour by Lymm Parish Council Chairman Cllr Bob Barr, as he led the parade for a final time as he retires to hand over his bell to grandson AJ Powell.

For the past 28 years, Peter has been the focal point of not just Lymm Dickensian Day, but also many events in and around the borough, as well as representing Lymm in the World Town Crier championships. He also served on parish council for many years as an independent voice for the village.

Meanwhile, Lymm Dickensian Day was given an extra festive feel as snow during the night and wintery showers added to the occasion, organised for the first time by new event Chair Colin Oakley.
Lymm Runners helped start proceedings with their Santa Dash, despite tricky conditions underfoot.
Villagers and visitors turned out in their thousands to support the event which was launched 28 years ago to help boost trade in the village in the run-up to Christmas.

Pictures John Hopkins