WIMBORNE town crier Chris Brown, swapped East Dorset for West Africa earlier this month to perform at a reggae festival.

Mr Brown, known to some as his alter-ego DJ Dapper Dan, was invited to take part in the Back to Africa festival in The Gambia for the second year running.

He performed a four-hour set in 35 degree heat, before receiving the ultimate accolade from the festival’s organiser, producer Mad Professor.

Mr Brown said: “I was interviewing him for my radio show, and I called him the Michael Eavis of West Africa, to which he replied, ‘If I am Michael Eavis, that makes you the John Peel of reggae’.

“It was an absolutely huge compliment, and I’m still very humbled by the thought of it.”

The town crier, who produces weekly reggae show Skanking Delights With DJ Dapper Dan for Forest FM, spent two weeks in the country following his stint at the festival.

During his visit, Mr Brown was inspired to begin collecting sports equipment for children living in the country, and is now looking for donations.

He said: “I met a man called Father Gough, who has set up a lot of community projects in Gambia through his charitable foundation.

“I’m looking to get some sports equipment sent out to him, so I’d welcome any support in that.”

For more information on the Father Joseph Gough Sports Foundation, visit goughfoundation.gm, To speak to Mr Brown about a donation, visit rocknrolltowncrier.com