SCORES of sheep will parade through the streets of Topsham on the day of the carnival. Mary Evans, a former councillor in the town, was made an honorary alderman of the city of Exeter at the start of this year. The title provides her with ancient freedoms

SCORES of sheep will parade through the streets of Topsham on the day of the carnival.

Mary Evans, a former councillor in the town, was made an honorary alderman of the city of Exeter at the start of this year.

The title provides her with ancient freedoms which she will exercise by herding the sheep down Fore Street on Saturday, August 29, at 2.30pm.

Topsham was represented by Mary for 14 years who is a well-known, popular figure in the town.

When told her status as an alderman gave her the right to herd sheep, she joked: "I'd like to have a got at that!"

The new town crier, Keith Smith, will proclaim the event outside Matthew Hall. Mary will then follow the parade of town criers down Fore Street herding six sheep down to the Quay.

Darts Farm will provide the sheep.