CHESHAM's town crier has died after losing his battle with cancer.

Eric Watsham died at the age of 75 on Saturday. He had been suffering from prostate cancer.

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Judith, three children and five grandchildren.

He had been Chesham's official town crier since 2004.

His eldest child, Caroline Watsham, 46, said: "He was a very caring father and grandfather and a great husband.

"He was wonderful fun, he was a quiet man but very capable of coming out with some things that would have everyone in fits.

"He had to audition for the part by writing a poem about Chesham and he very typically did something rather wacky - but he was obviously the best man for the job."

By day, Mr Watsham used to work for Barclays bank.

His daughter said: "He worked there because that's what all his family did, but his true love was performing and making people laugh."

Mr Watsham was also well known in the town for being a character actor and was a member of Chesham Musical Theatre Company and the Chesham Theatre Company.

During his time as the town crier, he supported several charity events, including the annual Santa Dash, held to raise cash for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home.

Ms Watsham said: "His favourite character to play was Toad from The Wind in the Willows and he also enjoyed playing Scrooge."

Mr Watsham began acting when he was in the RAF on national service in the 1950s and met his wife when he starred alongside her in a play in Barnet.

Mr Watsham was originally from Essex but moved to Hivings Hill, in Chesham, with his wife in 1973.

He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer three years ago.

His funeral will take place on Monday, December 13, at 2.30pm at Broadway Baptist Church, Chesham.