TOWN criers from around the country are preparing to descend on Otley.

The Town Council* is hosting its first ever Town Crier Competition on Sunday, September 23.

The event will see 11 town criers in their regalia - plus their consorts - gathering at the Otley Core, on Orchard Gate, before parading down to the Market Place.

There, competing under Loyal Company of Town Criers rules, they will be vying to secure a number of prizes including: Overall Winner, Runners Up, Best Dressed Town Crier, Best Dressed Consort and Best Ambassador.

The contest will see the criers - including Otley's own award-winning Bellman, Terry Ford - performing their Home Cry in the morning and then their Subject Cry, which will be marked by a panel of judges, in the afternoon. Proceedings will conclude with an awards presentation in the Market Place - and a chance for members of the public to have a go at 'crying' themselves.

The competition results will be also be posted on the town council's website and each crier will be presented with an Otley 'goody bag', filled with local souvenirs and memorabilia, to commemorate the day.

Any local business wishing to donate a small gift for the bags is asked to send an e-mail to Tom at admin@otleytowncouncil.gov.uk .

*The council would like to thank Otley BID for contributing towards the event.