THE search is on to find a hornblower to carry on a city's 1,000-year-old tradition.

But the recruitment process has hit problems after the wage of £2,025 a year was described as "peanuts" by one of the deputies, who does the job for nothing.

Former Ripon mayor John Richmond, a freeman of the city, said it was incredible that such a small salary was being offered for the seven-day-a-week job.

He said: "I had no idea it was such a small amount. It really is peanuts."

Alan Oliver, who has been Ripon's hornblower for the past 20 years, sounded it for the final time last Monday, sparking the search for his successor.

Mr Oliver has ensured the ceremony has never lapsed, sometimes battling through snowdrifts, gales and storms, ensuring the "setting of the watch" at 9pm each night.

Mr Richmond, Mark Sidwell, an engineer and Ripon City bandsman, and city macebearer Jim Vauvert are all deputies and will carry out the role on a voluntary basis until a replacement is found.

Ripon's hornblowing tradition started when residents paid an insurance fee to a wakeman, who was responsible for the safety of citizens from the time the horn was blown at 9pm.

Harrogate Borough Council said that if there was no applicant to take on the daily task, the ceremony would be carried out on a rota.

The council said that in addition to the salary, a mileage allowance would be paid. The closing date for applications in June 11.