THE call has gone out for loud-mouthed candidates prepared to shout about their town.

Chester-le-Street District Council, in County Durham, is organising a competition to find the person with the loudest voice, to act as the district's first town crier in living memory.

There will be a public contest to find the winner from selected candidates.

The successful candidate must have a "thunderous, yet articulate voice", but be approachable, civic-minded, reliable and dignified. He or she will be asked to give about 16 performances a year, notifying the public of events.

The commercial manager for Chester-le-Street and Sacriston, Christine Davies, said: "It's not just about having a loud voice. It's a business opportunity. They will be self-employed and can hire themselves out for weddings, or as chief of ceremonies."

The crier will be fitted out with a uniform, bell and scroll costing an estimated £2,000.

For information contact Ms Davies on 0191-387 1348 before Friday, September 27.