Sir Edward in action

The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod must rank as one of the most unusual job titles in Britain today.

And the job itself is more unusual still: ring mastering the eccentric and eclectic members of parliament's upper house.

In a rare interview, the previous holder of the post, Sir Edward Jones talks to Mandy Baker about the tights, the trappings and the trials of keeping the House of Lords in order.

Listen to 'The Gentleman Usher'