THE search is on to find a new town crier in Marlborough to fill the shoes of stalwart Alfie Johnson who hung up his bell last year after 21 years in the job.

The town council is hosting a competition to see who can fill the prestigious vacancy and is seeking applicants to come forward and shout about why they should be chosen.

The job role includes attending civic events and functions held by the town council, such as the Christmas lights switch-on, as well as making announcements and reading public proclamations.

Uniform, wooden staff and a shiny brass bell will be provided.

The competition will take place on Saturday, February 27 from 2pm in the town hall. One of the four judges will be Mr Johnson, 85, who was born and bred in Marlborough and served two decades as town crier under 19 mayors.

He attended thousands of community events and stood alongside royalty such as Prince Charles during their visits to the town.

Although he is a popular and well-known face in the town, he want to reassure applicants he will be remaining completely impartial when it comes to the judging, and is looking for someone who is passionate about Marlborough.

He said: “It is a very privileged job and you will be representing the town and are expected to do your best at all times for Marlborough.

“The secret is you need to know what you are talking about. Marlborough is a tourist town and a lot of people come up to and ask you questions, so you need to know the right answers at the right time.”

Mr Johnson will sit alongside fellow judges; the mayor Margaret Rose, deputy mayor Noel Barrett-Morton and Royal Wootton Bassett town crier Owen Collier, who stepped in to help at the Christmas lights switch-on in November.

Town clerk Shelley Parker added: “Alfie has been a superb town crier and we are looking for someone to fill some very big shoes.

"I’m sure though we will find just the right person to take on this important traditional role – a real slice of Marlborough’s heritage. 

"A bit of a performer with a fine voice and a real fondness for the town.  The competition will be fun for everyone taking part and there’ll be lots of help on hand.  For anyone wanting to be part of the civic side of Marlborough, this is it.”

Budding town criers have until noon on Friday, February 19 to hand in their applications forms to town clerk Mrs Parker. They can be picked-up and should be dropped off at the town council offices in the High Street.