Knaresborough's town crier, Nancy Buckle, has quit the post for the second time in only a few months - but this time she says its for good.

The 57-year-old retired nursing sister said it was becoming increasingly difficult to do the job because of all the travelling. Although she drives, Miss Buckle does not have a car.

"I have just handed my notice in, along with all the regalia. I have just found the job more difficult because I have to get myself to functions all over the place and I am getting more and more requests to carry out engagements," said Miss Buckle, one of the market town's best-known figures, whose descendants built Knaresborough's famous House In The Rock, where she lived until almost five years ago.

"I hope they can find someone to take over and I would certainly help them, but to anyone thinking of taking over I would say the town crier's job is not just for a bit of a laugh. It's far more than shouting for Knaresborough on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the tourists in summer. I have been very proud to shout for Knaresborough, but it has become impossible" she said.

Earlier this year Miss Buckle announced she would be quitting the job and leaving the town crier's post after the House in the Rock was bought by a private buyer, thwarting her attempts to set up a trust and reopen it as a tourist attraction for the town.

But Miss Buckle came under increased pressure to reconsider and after many requests decided to continue donning the uniform and ringing the bell.

Although she has only done the job for three years Miss Buckle's distinctive, booming voice made her a firm favourite. She was invited to many events outside the town,

some of them booked up to a year ahead.