Marcus's fitting tribute to the fallen

So proud: Shaw and Crompton’s town crier Marcus Emms

Marcus Emms, Shaw and Crompton’s town crier, paid a very personal VE Day tribute to the fallen from the across the wider community.

He wore a waistcoat complete with custom artwork, poppy buttons and is inscribed with the names of all 422 heroes on the war memorial.

And he prerecorded a video message linked to Ginny Alexander, the Mayor of Oldham.

Marcus, a joiner, said: “The waistcoat and buttons were made by the immensely talented Angela Sacco with some difficulty because she lives more than 200 miles away, so I couldn't have fittings due to lockdown.

“I wore it with pride on May 8th when crying the Battles O'er on behalf of the people of Shaw and Crompton, all those currently serving in the military, as well as those that have served, the Royal British Legion, and especially the family of J. Ogden who died on the August 18, 1918 and who's relations contacted me with his photograph and details of his service and ultimate sacrifice."

"I shall wear it with pride on every remembrance day too," he added.

"Sadly, because of social distancing, I couldn’t travel to other venues, but I hope my video served as a fitting tribute to the fallen.”

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