Royston is looking for a new town crier as the current post holder is retiring after more than 20 years.

The town council is looking for a 'jovial individual' with a loud voice, whose role will involve opening fayres and markets, announcing events and introducing dignitaries.

They will also fill out the town crier's official purpose, which is reading out Royal Proclamations.

Retiring town crier Graham Pfaff said the role is "great fun", and is happy to chat to potential candidates.

The town crier will receive a red uniform, a 200-year-old bell and an honorarium (a payment for services which are nominally without charge) of £400 per annum.

The role of town crier serves an important function in Royston to promote the town and its heritage.

The post holder will be expected to attend all major civic events in the town, which will be agreed in advance with the mayor's secretary.

They must write a relevant cry for each significant event they are asked to attend. All cries should be up to 125 words long, commence with the words "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez" and end with the words "God Save the King".

All cries must be non-political, non-religious and in good taste with no inappropriate language. As the post is strictly non-political, the post holder should not attend political events.

The town crier must have good knowledge of Royston and its history, or be prepared to learn about the town.

Anyone interested in applying should submit a letter to Royston Town Council by Saturday, November 30, explaining why you feel you would be suitable for the role.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with the mayor, town clerk, and the current town crier in December.

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They will then be invited to perform a 'cry' they have written on a topic of their choosing in a nearby public location.

The appointment of the chosen candidate will be presented to a meeting of the town council in January for ratification.

Application letters should be sent to:

The Town Clerk, Royston Town Council, Town Council Offices, Melbourn Street, Royston, Herts SG8 7DA or by email at town.clerk@roystontowncouncil.gov.uk.