A British town crier who helped to create a link-up between St George and Lyme Regis has died at the age of 78.

Richard Fox, a world champion town crier from the British coastal resort, promoted the historical connection between the two towns for years.

Sir George Somers, who was born in Lyme Regis, was the captain of the Sea Venture which shipwrecked on Bermuda in 1609, and established the first permanent settlement on the island.

After his death in 1610, his heart was buried in Somers Gardens, St George, while his body was returned for burial in Lyme Regis.

In 1994, Mr Fox joined forces with his close friend Donald Burns, the St George town crier, to form the Lyme Regis-St George Twinning Association.

The pair began a tradition in which the mayors, aldermen and criers of both towns visit the other for the March to the Cobb in Lyme Regis and the Peppercorn Ceremony in St George.

In 1996, the two towns held an official Twinning Ceremony to mark the start of a century-long commitment.

Mr Fox served as chairman of the Twinning Association. He also won several world titles as town crier for Lyme Regis, and was made an MBE for his contribution to tourism.

Lyme Regis mayor Michaela Ellis said: “Richard was one of Lyme’s biggest characters from the time he came to the town and did a huge amount to promote and publicise our town.

“He represented the town with great dignity at all times and was a popular figure among locals and visitors alike.”