"Now hear this. Now hear this"? David Frith is the new Town Crier of St. George's.

The former banker takes over from E. Michael Jones, who was forced to step down from the post he has held for five years when he was elected Mayor of the Old Town.

Mr. Frith is Pipe Major of Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and feels he is well suited to the new post because he has read public proclamations before with the band.

In recognition of this, he plans to incorporate some tartan into his Town Crier's uniform when it is made for him.

The Corporation of St. George selected Mr. Frith from applicants ? including two women ? for the $35,000-a-year post following an audition.

The new job means Mr. Frith will travel the world representing the Old Town and Bermuda.

"I feel very honoured to have been chosen from so many people that were interviewed," said Mr. Frith yesterday as he accepted the Town Crier's bell from Mr. Jones.

"I am of the opinion that I will be a good fit and I look forward to performing my duties with pride.

"I've done something like this before with Bermuda Islands Pipe Band where at dinners or similar events I would read proclamations when the situation called for it and I feel comfortable with it.

"I am proud of the fact that I might be the only town crier in the world who is also a piper."

Mr. Jones said he will miss doing the job he has enjoyed for the past five years.

The previous Corporation ruled that the Mayor could not also be Town Crier because the Town Crier is often called on to introduce the Mayor.

Mr. Jones insisted yesterday that he could have ignored the ban, but had decided against it.

"I am sad, sad, sad, distraught. Any other adjective you want to use about leaving this job," he said.

"I am going to miss it terribly, all the comrades and friends I met representing St. George's and Bermuda all around the world.

"I'll miss the interaction with the visitors and representing Bermuda overseas. The visitors are what it is all about, and it is just such a fabulous experience.

"The Mayor is seen nowhere near as much as the Town Crier, not even close."