OYEZ, oyez, oyez!

It's a job advert with a difference: local town seeks outgoing person who likes wearing uniform, is proud of their community and wants to shout about it. Loud voice essential; own bell optional.

The hunt is on for a new Margate town crier - an outgoing person to attend events and shout about how great the town is.

The idea has come from Margate Town Partnership, a group of businessmen aiming to improve the town.

Chairman Terence Painter said: "It's really a bit of fun but there's a serious message.

"Margate Town Partnership is passionate about promoting the town and we want someone to join us to help with marketing and promoting all the great things that are going on.

"We need someone who's not afraid to stand out from the crowd and who is really proud of Margate - a uniform and full training will be provided."

The Mayor of Margate, Mick Tomlinson, has agreed to help judge auditions once a shortlist of candidates has been assembled, along with Margate Town Partnership and will be awarding marks for style, projection and passion in their search for a new bellman.

In ancient Greek and Roman times, most of the population were unable to read or write, so town criers were introduced and are believed to have been the earliest means of delivering news.

The crier was a trusted person, with a loud, clear voice who could deliver news and instructions.

From the Middle Ages on, town criers were appointed by governments and other civil authorities, often the mayor, to keep citizens informed about matters of national and local importance, from wars and executions to lost dogs. It was once a treasonable offence to 'interfere with a town crier in the execution of his duties'.

Nowadays, if the monarch was to die, the town criers would deliver this news to the public.

You must be an extrovert, says champion Alistair

Alistair Chisholm has the best known voice in Dorchester, Dorset.

The seven time national champion has been a crier in his local town for more than a decade.

"I'm very excited that Margate is looking for a town crier," he said. "A crier can add something to any event, whether it be a town fete or a summer carnival."

The 64-year-old, who also does guided tours around Dorchester, said applicants might discover a hidden skill. "Some people know their talents but others only discover them when they try something new," he explained.

Asked what makes a good town crier, Mr Chisholm said: "Candidates should be absolutely passionate about their local town and enthusiasm is essential as well.

"They must be an extrovert and having thick skin is quite important because people sometimes shout things like 'you're a plonker'- and with good reason probably!"

He added: "It's all just a bit of fun and you've got to be able to laugh at yourself."

Of the 200-plus town criers in the UK, most are unpaid. Some earn money from commercial work and Mr Chisholm added: "Those who don't necessarily need the money might charge a small token fee and donate it to charity."