SWINDON'S first town crier competition is being held today. The event has been organised by Swindon's town crier Fred Ferris who recently won the title of the country's best-dressed town crier at the Haworth Holly Holler in Yorkshire.

The 72-year-old has invited 14 town criers from around the country who will bellow their best in the Parade today.

Judges will select the winner depending on the volume and manner in which they deliver their messages to shoppers and passer-by.

Fred, who will be hosting the event, said: "This is a historic event. It's going to be a tight competition."

There used to be a town crier in Old Town until 1910 but Fred is the first to bring the tradition to New Town.

Fred said: "In olden days, they used to go about shouting the news. People couldn't afford newspapers and if they could, they couldn't read them."

A piper will lead the procession from the Thistle Hotel to the Parade where the contest will take place between 10.45am and 12.30pm and 2.15pm and 4pm.