A market town is considering calling for volunteers to shout about their community with the appointment of a town crier.

In its 800-year history it is not believed Bedale has ever had a town crier, despite being awarded a market charter as long ago as 1251.

With the awarding of the Illuminated Address which gave nearby RAF Leeming the freedom of the town, the issue was raised with the town council.

Clerk Nick Reed said it had been mentioned by RAF personnel when they were arranging the ceremonial event.

“In the light of this I thought we ought to consider whether the council wants to search for a suitable person to appoint as Bedale town crier, voluntary, which could involve expenditure of not more than £2,500 on bespoke livery.”

Mayor Councillor Amanda Coates said it was possible there could be sponsorship for the livery through a keen supporter of the town who had approached members over acquiring appropriate robes for the town clerk to wear at events.

But councillors were split on the issue. Councillor Kayleigh Catford said: “People might think how much it is at a time when everyone is really worried about the next six months or the next year and if there was sponsorship I think people might think there would be something else that should be sponsored. We are the youngest populated market town in Hambleton, to me it seems over the top.”

Councillor Mike Barningham said it wasn’t like Ripon where there was a long tradition of having the Hornblower or other towns where town criers had been employed for years. He added: “I think you would really want to hire one in as and when you might need it rather than spending £2,000 on a robe, I think it would be a misuse of town council funds.”

Cllr Coates said: “It would be publicity and would highlight the town, it would bring people into Bedale. At events such as Yorkshire Day it is a way of promoting the town and it is a tradition, we don’t want to lose too many traditions. “

Councillor Andrew Hallett said it wasn’t a tradition in Bedale. Councillor Pamela Hallett proposed the council should look at what interest there was in anyone wanting to be a town crier and whether any sponsorship would be forthcoming, and look again at the issue.