HORNBLOWERS from across Europe will be descending on a city famous the world over for its historic ceremony.

Ripon, where the nightly hornblowing ceremony dates back 1,100 years, has been chosen to host a European hornblowing convention in May next year.

The city hornblower Alan Oliver, who has been performing the task for 20 years, has helped secure backing for the gathering from Ripon City Council.

Mayor David Parnaby said: "It's fitting that Ripon, known by visitors from around the world for its hornblowing ceremony, should be hosting the event.

"We are very proud of our tradition and are expecting up to 100 hornblowers from Europe, including some from the former Soviet Union."

Mr Oliver, a popular tourist attraction in his own right, spends time explaining the custom to visitors after he has given four blasts on his horn at the four corners of the Market Place obelisk.

Final details are being put in place but it is thought the convention will include a ceremonial march through the city centre and a civic service in Ripon Cathedral.

Only recently members of Ripon City Council sanctioned a new made-to-measure ceremonial frock coat for the hornblower because the old one was wearing out.

The traditional fawn, knee-length coat, trimmed with red collar and cuffs, makes the hornblower a distinctive figure as he steps out, horn slung across his shoulder, to perform the nightly blasts at 9pm.

Coun Parnaby said the convention in May next year would link in with Ripon's 400th anniversary celebrations to mark its granting of the charter by King James I.