OTLEY is preparing to resound to the sound of Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!

The town’s second Open Town Crier Competition will be held on Sunday, September 22.

The event has been arranged to tie in with Otley Folk Festival and takes place when part of Boroughgate will be pedestrianised to celebrate World Car-Free Day.

Some 16 town criers from across the country will be taking part and will be judged on two cries: the first about their hometowns and the second, ‘subject cry’, on World Car-Free Day.

Otley’s award-winning Bellman Terry Ford is hosting the event which will be run under Loyal Company of Town Criers rules.

Proceedings will begin with a parade through Otley before the contest proper begins, in the Market Place, at 11.30am. An awards presentation, and ‘have a go’ session for the public, will bring the fun to a close.