TOWN criers across the West Country will gather in Ilminster for the very first town crier competition to be held in the town.

Up to 12 criers will go on parade from Ilminster Arts Centre along East Street to the Market House at 10.45am on Saturday, April 18.

Following a welcome and benchmark cry from Ilminster’s own crier Andrew Fox, the criers will vie with each other to be crowned the best.

They will be marked by independent judges on their volume, clarity, diction and expressiveness, while an additional judge will consider their uniforms for the best dressed award.

Distinguished guests, including Mayor of Ilminster Emma Jane Taylor, will be in attendance for what promises to be a loud and colourful event.