HELMSLEY will be alive with booming voices this summer as it gears up to host its very first town crier competition.

The event, on July 21, is anticipated to be the largest of its kind to be held in Yorkshire for several decades.

David Hinde, Helmsley’s award-winning town crier, and the Helmsley in Business group will host the contest which will see at least 20 official town criers from across the country compete.

They will be judged by a specially-selected panel to the rules of The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

The setting will be the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden, with Helmsley Castle as the backdrop to the competition.

Mr Hinde said: “It’s our absolute pleasure to announce we will be hosting the Helmsley Invitational National Town Criers Competition this summer. It’s been in the planning for several months, as we sought sponsors – to whom we are extremely grateful, as without them the event would not be able to take place.

“We know this is likely to be the largest competition held in Yorkshire for many years.

“Who could resist the chance to perform a cry in the beautiful setting of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park?”

In addition to the competition, there will also be a colourful parade around the town with the criers and their consorts showing off their impressive traditional regalia.