AN ANCIENT tradition is coming to Cirencester, as the town begins a search for its very first Town Crier.

The hunt is on to find someone with a big voice and an equally large personality up to the challenge of writing and delivering a cry, starting with ‘Oyez, Oyez, Oyez’, to mark appropriate Cirencester Town Council events.

And the public will have a chance to vote for the best candidate at the Fleece Fayre in Cirencester on May 6.

Up until now Cirencester has always borrowed a Town Crier when needed from nearby town’s.

As well as the potential to project their voice, applicants for the voluntary position, who can be male or female, are expected to maintain a high standard of appropriate behaviour and courtesy at all times during their duties and at competitions.

It is also hoped that they will have a good local knowledge, a sense of humour and a pride in their appearance.

Chairman of the town’s Community Group Mark Harris said: “Over the past two to three years, many Cirencester residents have said to us they think a Town Crier would be a great addition to the town.

“It’s taken a while to secure funding and the process, but we are nearly there.

“We’re looking for someone with easy access to the market place, who is likely to be around for the events we hold through the year and of course a voice that carries - we’re looking for a big character.”

Whoever is chosen as Town Crier will receive items of clothing in order to perform their duties.

Potential Town Criers have until Friday, May 4 to complete an application form, registering their interest and the town council will then shortlist all qualifying applicants.

Each will perform their cry in the Town Square on Monday, May 6 at 3.45pm at The Fleece Fayre, where members of the public will play a part in voting for their preferred candidate.

If you think you have what it takes to become the first Town Crier of Cirencester, then collect the application form from the local information centre at 1 Dyer Street, Cirencester or visit cirencester.gov.uk.