The family of the bride-to-be had contacted Mr Pickles to ask whether he would escort the wedding party from the family home in North Street to the town hall where the ceremony is to be held.

But the council has vetoed his appearance, claiming it is inappropriate and out of keeping with tradition.

bans

It is not the first time the council has stepped in to ban Mr Pickles who won the Jewel of Ripon award last autumn for his work in promoting the city from attending an off-diary function.

In November he was informed he would only be allowed to attend a Remembrance Day service at Lister House if he was not in his official uniform and in December the council told him he would not be able to perform the Hornblowers' Song, written especially to highlight the city's historic tradition, at the Christmas Spectacular at Ripon Cathedral.

Then last month he was also told he would not be allowed to speak about the history of the Hornblower at a ladies' group talk in Copt Hewick, despite offering to do it in his own time, in plain clothes, with the proceeds going to the Mayor's charity.

letter

A letter sent to Mr Pickles from Ripon City Council said: "The members discussed the request and they felt it would be against protocol to allow the Hornblower to attend."

Jill Holt, who wrote to Mr Pickles on behalf of her sister Ruth who is getting married in Ripon Town Hall in June, said it would have been an ideal opportunity for Ripon to promote its unique character and to celebrate its history.

Mrs Holt said: "It seems truly unbelievable that although we are blessed with a Hornblower who is willing to give his free time in order to promote this glorious city, our council members see fit to veto his attendance at certain events.

"If Mr Pickles were less kind with his time, no doubt they'd be bemoaning his lack of conscientiousness."

'disappointing'

Mr Pickles said the council's rigid adherence to the rules is disappointing but he said he was limited to what he can and can not do.

He said: "I have had to let one or two people down over the last few months and the council does tend to remind me that I am just a hired hand. They say that my eagerness to promote the city is misplaced.

"The best way I can describe it is that it is like walking on egg shells and trying not to break them.

"My intentions are good and I would never do anything to cheapen the position of the Hornblower."

Mr Pickles, who was told last August that he would not be able to hand out leaflets to visitors arriving in Ripon on coaches, added: "I know I am eager to support the city, but this is frowned on unfortunately. In this day and age, and especially in the credit crunch, we should be doing all we can to promote Ripon."

decision defended

Mayor of Ripon Sid Hawke defended the council's decision, saying it is not part of his role to attend functions.

"The tradition of the Hornblower is to set the watch in the market square and to then report to the Mayor.