Town Crier in waiting sought

The Town Crier promotes tourism and trade in London

A search has begun to find a young person who wants learn how to stride around London in a tricorn hat, ringing a bell and shouting "Oyez".

London's official Town Crier, Peter Moore, wants to find a young apprentice to carry on the ancient tradition of town crying.

Candidates are invited from across the UK with those shortlisted attending a final ring-off in London.

The winner will be announced at the start of the New Year's Day parade.

We were the predecessors of news TV and radio presenters

Peter Moore, London Town Crier

Mr Moore, whose regalia includes a tricorn hat and red waistcoat, was employed by Mayor Ken Livingstone to promote tourism and trade in the capital.

He has been a town crier for more than 25 years and has travelled the world with his bell and costume.

He said he was looking for a young person aged between seven and 15 to continue the ancient art.

"The art of town crying has been alive and kicking since 1066.

"There's even a town crier on the Bayeaux Tapestry," he said.

"We were the predecessors of news TV and radio presenters and it's important for our nation that this ancient art survives."

The winner of the competition will receive a master class from Mr Moore in the hope it will encourage them to take up town crying as a career.