Town to recruit new crier after 40 year absence

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to show off their voice in the Much Wenlock town square

A town is looking to recruit its first town crier for 40 years.

Dan Thomas, the deputy mayor of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, said the role "just fizzled out" in the 1980s, but it was "an important part of our history".

He hoped the new crier would "add something" to events and attract tourism.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to show off their voice in the town square on 26 October, so a winner can be chosen.

Mr Thomas said the successful candidate would ideally live in the area and have a "strong connection or knowledge of the town".

He said there were records of Much Wenlock having a town crier for 400 years and the new crier would inherit a bell that was 100 years old.

The costume would be created, for free, by a local ecclesiastical outfitter and Mr Thomas said the gesture "shows how important this role is to the people of Much Wenlock".

People have until 11 October to submit their application via the town council's website and the winner will be chosen by town councillors.