Hawick Cornet on leading town's Common Riding: 'I'll remember it forever'
Last updated 3 hours ago
Hawick Cornet Jordan Nuttall praised the support he received while leading the town's annual Common Riding celebrations - and then admitted: "I'll remember it forever."
The 29-year-old - who works at luxury knitwear brand William Lockie - is the fourth generation of his family to take on the role.
And crowds of well-wishers lined the streets to show their support.
"My grandfather, and his uncle before him, and my dad have all been Cornets," he told Greatest Hits Radio following his appointment. "It's great to carry on the tradition.
"I've dreamt of this since I was a young boy; to finally experience it means the world to me."
Common Riding Day itself - which remains one of the largest equestrian events in Europe - celebrates the capture of an English Flag in 1514, as well as the ancient custom of riding the common land.
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Jordan revealed he felt "rather emotional" after stepping out of the hut at St Leonard's on Friday - a culmination of the town’s centuries-old legacy.
"It's quite strange coming out there for the last time as Cornet, but I've thoroughly enjoyed myself.
"I don't think there'll be many feelings in the world (that will top) leading from the front, I'll remember it forever."
Reflecting on the number of people who turned out, Jordan - who was flanked throughout by his Left and Right Hand Men, Acting Mother and Father, and his Lass - added: "It sums up the Hawick people, every year they turn up to give all their support; it's brilliant."
The festivities continue on Saturday, with racing at the Mair in the afternoon.
Cornet's Lass Alix Martin revealed she has a clothes rail in her spare room to accommodate all the outfit changes, but said Jordan had done the town proud.
"I've enjoyed seeing Jordan carry the flag and go up the Chase," she said. "But the whole event has been quite special and I've just had the time of my life."
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