THE search is on for the ideal person who could become Hexham’s new town crier.

The age-old tradition is set to brought into the present day, with the title holder taking part in public events and educational projects.

Hexham’s deputy mayor Coun. Steve Ball is leading the project to bring the community together - in a socially distanced manner.

Auditions are set to take place on Saturday, October 24, at an event which will take place outside Hexham Abbey and in the Market Place.

Announcing the initiative at Monday’s meeting of Hexham Town Council. Coun. Ball said three champion town criers from other parts of the country would lead demonstrations and to offer advice for would-be candidates.

He explained: “This is an exciting project and it brings history to life. Historically, there was a bell man in the town and that person acted as a great ambassador for Hexham.

“There are public events where the role of a town crier would prove popular. For example, we have the switching on of the Christmas lights.

“Potentially a town crier could also work with schools and other educational programmes. We’re looking for the ideal person.”

Coun. Ball said any town crier who excelled at the audition would have to prove a fit and proper persons test, to ensure they were a suitable character for the role. They would also have to undergo necessary procedures before working in schools.

In recent times, Haltwhistle had a popular town crier in Joan Short, a dedicated fund-raiser who was known for her beaming smile.

Joan represented the town with distinction, and was a regular at events such as Haltwhistle Carnival, before her death in 2017. The 61-year-old, who was originally from the Allen Valleys, helped to raise more than £12,000 for worthy causes.