HEAR ye, hear ye! Tetbury is to hold a town crier competition with the winner becoming the town’s official crier.

The criers will be given a piece to perform about the town which will be judged on its dramatic style, quality of deliverance and, of course, volume.

A date is yet to be set but it is likely to be around September, with the hope that it could become an annual event.

Tetbury’s current town crier, Peter Dauncey, is to step down at the event, passing the Soothers onto the winner.

Although not currently decided, Mayor Ball said that the judge could be a local drill Sergeant from 29 Regiment near South Cerney, as they are well accustomed to shouting.

The crier’s costume will also be judged, probably by a local clothes shop owner.

Mayor Ball, said:”The more they can say about Tetbury and the more they have looked in the history of Tetbury, the better they will do.

“I think it’ll be fantastic. It’ll be about the whole town getting together - I have visions of the criers on the town hall steps and in the high street yelling to the crowds.

“This is something that goes on all round the country; you even get people coming from abroad to see them.”

Town crier events have been regular features across Britain, with towns like Hastings, Chester and Tavistock holding annual events. It is hoped that the event will attract tourists into the town.