THE MBE and war medals belonging to a former town crier, which were put up for auction in Ryedale, will remain in Scarborough.

The mystery bidder has donated Alan Booth's auction items to the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre.

Alan Booth was the town crier in Scarborough for a record-breaking 31-years and died in October 2020, with the lot being auctioned off by his family at Ryedale Auctioneers, in Kirkbymoorside.

The lot included the MBE, associated certification, and other medals including his Malayan Campaign medal and Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough Certificate, which was bestowed on him in 1999, in its silver presentation case.

After a series of bids, the lot made more than double its top estimate with the hammer falling at £1,350.

After fees and tax were applied it is thought that about £1,700 was paid by a mystery bidder, who has donated the possessions to the Scarborough museum.

Mark Vesey, chairman of the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre, said the staff are honoured to receive the collection.

"The Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre is honoured to receive a donation by a private individual who has given us a collection of Alan Booth's, the Scarborough Town Crier, medals and MBE that went up for auction in Ryedale," he said.

"The donor wanted to ensure the historic collection went on public display and was kept in the town.

"Alan Booth was a much-loved figure in the town and we are honoured to accept this collection and hold it for the residents and visitors to see.

"He worked tirelessly in all weathers with great pride, professionalism, attention to detail and with gentle humour.

"We are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic but will be open for business as soon as the Government regulations allow, which is currently May 17."

Mr Booth was born in Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham, and began his working life as a lathe turner before National Service took him to Singapore.

He returned to his old job for a while before buying a guesthouse on Scarborough’s North Marine Road in 1968. Once installed in the resort he became involved with the local hotel’s association, at a time when auditions were being held for the role of town crier.

Eventually, the role that he had agreed to take on just for a year, took him to Australia and Canada.

Mr Booth was the National Town Crier Champion in 1988, 1989 and 1994 and European Champion from 1990 to 1992.

He was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his years of his service as Scarborough town crier.