St George town crier E. Michael Jones performed his last duty before retiring from the role yesterday — and signed off with a flourish.

Mr Jones was taking part in the popular ducking school ceremony in which a “nagging wench” is dropped into to the water off King’s Square by the town crier in a fun re-enactment of a punishment that was carried out when Bermuda was first inhabited in the 1600s.

But to the surprise of spectators at yesterday’s show, Mr Jones decided to take some punishment himself by plunging into the sea while still dressed in his colourful costume.

Mr Jones confirmed his retirement from the job earlier this week, having worked in the tourism industry for more than 50 years.

He said: “Thanks to all whose path may have crossed mine and all who have supported me over the last 55 years of my tourism involvement.

“I’ll be around for our visitors until I can’t. Tourism is in my blood.”

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