Town crier to shout for the East Riding in world contest

Michael Wood, who has been extolling the virtues of the East Riding since 1997, will put his vocal cords to the test when he competes against 40 criers from 12 countries during a seven-day contest being held in Chester from June 13.

Mr Wood, who is a previous winner and runner-up in the event, said taking the title was one of the highest accolades a crier could achieve.

He said: "This is the third such competition to be held in Chester and to be invited is like being nominated for an Oscar.

"To be the Champion Town Crier is also like winning the Oscar for best picture.

"I won the contest the first time and I came runner-up the second time and if I win it this time again, well two out of three ain't bad."

He said the secrets of a good town crier were "a good pair of lungs and a good pair of legs".

He added: "And by the way, town criers don't have big mouths, they have loud voices."

Judges will assess the entrants on a range of disciplines including clarity, volume, diction, inflection and content.

Each must also give their "home cry" in not more than 125 words.

Mr Wood will begin his pitch with the traditional "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez," followed by: "Good people, I bring great news that you are all invited to Yorkshire's East Riding. Yes, be excited.

"With our wonderful Wolds and heritage coastline you will simply marvel at landscapes and seascapes boasting no escape from rustic villages, fashionable market towns, sexy seaside resorts and... me."

He invites children to discover the "dastardly Dick Turpin" and taste "life's greatest grub", and makes a compelling case for parents to visit Beverley, highlighting the town's Minster, racecourse and Saturday Market.

Mr Wood will complete his bid with a line for older people: "Pensioners, enjoy a daytime donkey ride, or maybe a midnight skinny dip in Bridlington Bay – Acapulco of the North-East.

"God bless Yorkshire. God save the Queen."

Also taking part are criers from countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Holland, New Zealand and the USA.