THE centre of Newton Abbot is due to ring out to the sound of no fewer than 19 members of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers tomorrow.

They are set to battle it out in the annual Devon Guild Championship to see who is the county’s loudest and proudest proponent of the historic art.

The contest will involves two cries, the first of which will promote the participant’s home town and the second any subject he or she chooses.

Visitors will also have the chance to have a free ride in one of a number of heritage buses that will be on display.

The town council’s events coordinator, Natalie Hicks, said: ‘We are very fortunate to have the support of local businesses and individuals who make contributions in all sorts of ways.

‘They include the Lord of the Borough of Newton Abbot, Keith Stokes-Smith, who provides the cash prizes totalling £200 for first, second and third placing.

‘Austins department store supplies prizes for the best dressed escort and best dressed couple on the day while Tuckers Maltings provide a bottle of beer for each crier.

‘Deputy town clerk Sam Scott will be providing gifts to the escorts and The Union Inn is once again running a mini ale festival in conjunction with the event.

‘I would like to thank each of the contributors who help us provide this colourful, loud and atmospheric event that entertains local passers by as they visit the town centre.’