TOWN criers from across the country will put their vocal skills to the test for the national championship, which will be staged in Durham, this summer.

More than 25 criers, representing towns and cities across Britain, will take part in a full weekend of activities staged around the contest, on Saturday, July 3.

City marketing officials have arranged the championship to tie in with Durham's annual summer festival weekend and hope the colourful pageantry will help to draw the crowds.

They also hope to show the merits of the city so the contestants will proclaim Durham's virtues on their return to their home towns.

Durham's own recently-selected crier, former city councillor Colin Beswick, announced details of the championship to the bemusement of passers-by in the Market Place.

In a proclamation from the steps of the Town Hall, Mr Beswick said events would begin with a parade of all 25-plus criers through the city to Palace Green, between the cathedral and castle.

They will then return for the competition, staged by the Loyal Company of Town Criers, at the Town Hall.

Winners in several categories, plus the overall national champion, will be presented with awards at a closing banquet at St Aidan's College, on the Saturday evening.

As host city, Durham's crier is not allowed to enter, although he will be busy announcing competitors to the crowd.

Angela Colbridge, events co-ordinator of organisers Durham City Forum, said: "We really want to make a weekend of it for the competitors, to give them something to look back fondly on their stay in Durham so they'll go away and tell others about it.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to show off the city and the event itself is just one of a number of events we are planning to make it the best summer festival yet."

Russian dancers and French performers are already on the programme.