TRUSTEES of a tribute fund, collecting to build a lasting memorial to the late town crier Garth Gibson, have launched a final push for donations before it closes.

TRUSTEES of a tribute fund, collecting to build a lasting memorial to the late town crier Garth Gibson, have launched a final push for donations before it closes.

Garth Gibson died last May in the line of duty, collapsing outside his beloved Manor Gardens soon after a meeting of Exmouth Civic Society, which he was President.

Ideas for a memorial have flooded in from members of the public and include a bronze statue a memorial oak tree in either Manor Gardens, Phear Park or even in the Magnolia Centre where he famously used to give his weekly Saturday morning 'shout'.

Another idea which would have been close to his heart are scholarships for local children - Garth was a former school master and education inspector.

Donations have been flowing in thick and fast thanks to the public and the proceeds of an Exmouth Shantymen tribute concert at the Pavilion earlier this month.

This was held in honour of Garth and fellow Shantyman John Nettleton who was also died this year.

How the money will be spent will be ultimately decided by a panel of councillors and family members.

Town clerk John Wokersien said: "So far over �4,000 has been collected. It would be excellent to push this over the �5,000 mark so that the panel which will soon meet to decide what a fitting memorial would be will have the widest scope to achieve something really special.

"Contributions can still be made on line via the Town Council website or using the form provided with this article, with your suggestions for the best way the money could be used to remember our fine Town Crier."

To contribute go to www.exmouth.gov.uk where you will find a link to the memorial page from the home page and you can donate on line.

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