TOWN Criers are swapping exotic destinations including Bermuda and Nova Scotia for North Yorkshire to take part in a major competition.

Helmsley is hosting its first ever Town Crier competition this summer and it is attracting criers from the other side of the world.

It is believed that the ‘Helmsley Invitational National Town Criers Competition for The Magna Carta Trophy’ will be the biggest such competition to take place in Yorkshire for many decades.

Ed Christopher, who represents the City of Hamilton in Bermuda, and Jim Stewart of New Glasgow in Nova Scotia, have both confirmed they will compete in the event on July 21.

A further 18 town criers from across the UK will also take part – from southern towns including Devon, Somerset and, Kent through to regional criers from Filey, Darlington and Knaresborough, among others.

David Hinde, Helmsley’s award-winning town crier, and the Helmsley in Business group will host the competition at the Helmsley Walled Garden.

Mr Hinde said: “It’s an absolute coup to have Ed and Jim coming from their respective countries – travelling more than 6,000 miles between them – and we couldn’t be more delighted.

“They are both very experienced Town Criers.”

Mr Hinde said the event promises to be a “fantastic” occasion, adding: “As well as being a great visual spectacle, it’s obviously amazing to listen to – you may well be able to hear us throughout the town.

“It’s also an interesting living history lesson for youngsters about what it would have been like centuries ago, when town criers were appointed to carry out the important roles of making official announcements and spreading information in their towns every day.”

The event will start at 11am when, following a welcome, the criers will perform their Home Cry, about the towns they represent.

At 2pm there will be a parade of criers and consorts in their regalia through the Market Place, past the Castle Visitor Centre, giving a chance for even more people to enjoy the spectacle.

The trophies will be presented at 4.30pm and the criers will be judged according to the rules of The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.