Town crier in running to be named country's best

Kevin Ruane has already been involved in the Southport Flower Show and local VE Day commemorations

A town crier is in the running to be named the country's finest in a national competition.

Kevin Ruane, who proclaims in Southport, said his "livery was clean and pressed" ahead of his first attempt to win the championship.

Army veteran Mr Ruane, who was awarded an MBE for his services as a firefighter, was appointed to his role in May after coming up with the idea after seeing one during a trip to Yorkshire.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I said to my wife, why haven't we got one in Southport? And she said you'd be great at it, you've got a big mouth."

Sometimes known as the "original newsmen", town criers would proclaim announcements to the local populace.

Town's virtues

Mr Ruane lobbied Sefton councillors to create the post and they agreed the role could benefit the community.

"You are an ambassador for the town," he said, "so you have to have that positive appearance about you, the way you come across to people and do good for the town."

He has already been involved in the Southport Flower Show and the town's air show this summer.

Mr Ruane said the nature of the role and ceremonial outfit meant town criers had to be "comfortable with strangers jumping up to you in the middle of the street wanting selfies".

Speaking about Sunday's contest, he said: "I have some stiff competition attending so I'm not expecting anything spectacular with this being my first event.

"I will be doing a lot of observation and learning from those with more experience than myself."

The contest will be held in Otley in West Yorkshire, where criers will compete for accolades including best dressed town crier and best ambassador.

They will be judged according to how well they can holler about the virtues of their town.

They have also been asked to proclaim the United Nations International Day of Peace, which is on the same day.