NORTHWICH will never see Frank Brierley again - says Frank himself.

For 20 years, the Rochdale-born tramp has wandered the length and breadth of Britain, stopping in Northwich at least once a year.

But now Frank, who has lived rough and slept in the open air every night of those 20 years, says his travels are over.

"I am very happy to be called a tramp," said the 58-year-old.

"A lot of people say I shouldn't call myself that, but I'm proud of it."

Frank is 'retiring' to York, where he says he will finally write the memoirs of his travels.

"After 20 years in the mix, I've seen it all," said Frank.

"I've met robbers, murderers, doctors of philosophy, politicians, rich and poor. I wouldn't change a day of it."

Frank, who worked for 25 years in various jobs before deciding to take up a wandering lifestyle, has produced hand-drawn maps of Rochdale's Roman roads, and helped historians find new evidence in many different inquiries.

"A tramp sees everything," he said. "He's the one man the villains fear. We see it all, and we'll tell the world."

Frank said goodbye to Northwich on Monday, after spending Sunday night by the banks of the Weaver.

"I was woken by what I thought were two swans," he said.

"But they were a swan and a goose that were obviously mates. I thought that was a fine note to go out on. A last strange encounter."

He'd like to say thanks to St Wilfrid's Catholic Church, and St Helen's in Witton, which have both looked after him with a cup of tea and a biscuit every time he visited Northwich.

And his final message for the town?

"I've been around on the two occasions when Northwich Vics have beaten Rochdale in the FA Cup," he said.

"I want them to stop that. Don't do it again, just for me. Thanks."

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