HELMSLEY’S first ever Town Crier competition is to play host to two town criers from across the other side of the world.

The ‘Helmsley Invitational National Town Criers Competition for The Magna Carta Trophy’ is expected to be one of the largest town crier competition to take place in Yorkshire for many decades – and as such it has attracted the interest of international town criers.

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. Regional criers include those representing Scarborough, Filey, Darlington, Knaresborough, Malton and Norton.

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

David 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. It really will be a fantastic event for all the family. 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.

He added: 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.”

The event has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from several local companies including Energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE, Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, Pearson and Ward Solicitors and Repair and Restoration Ltd. Other sponsors include Adam Collier Funeral Directors, Kitching Walker Solicitors in Kirkbymoorside, NFU Mutual Pickering, Bisca Staircases and Alpha Signs.

For more information about the event, go to www.visithelmsley.co.uk/come-to-helmsley-national-town-crier-competition