THE traditional cry of oyez, oyez could be heard in every corner of a North-East city if its bid to host the national town crier championships is successful.

Residents of Durham City may need to reach for the earplugs in an event which would attract criers from as far away as Australia and Finland. But the search in on first to find a crier to represent Durham City.

The Durham City Forum is working on plans to find the best ear-splitting voice by early November.

Angela Colbridge, who organises the city's two main festivals, said the forum had sought advice from the Loyal Company of Town Criers which suggested the city might like to host the annual championship.

It gets huge national coverage and get contestants from abroad," she said.

"Last time, they had people from Finland and Australia. We are thinking that it could tie in with our summer festival next year.

"Durham still has a lot of history. We have got the town hall with its balcony and steps, and the Market Place, and it just seems to fit."

The hunt for a local crier is still at the planning stage but the right person could also double as master of ceremonies at some civic functions.

Ray Gibbon, the city's 401st mayor, said: "I think a town crier is a good thing. It's a nice tradition and a part of history that we should preserve.

"It adds a little colour to the scene.

"A competition like that would brighten up the city. You could make a grand occasion of it on a summer's weekend when the Market Place is crowded with visitors."

Mrs Colbridge is seeking sponsors for the crier's livery and to support the national championships.

Anyone interested should call 0191-386 3050.