THE booming calls of Ilminster’s colourful annual criers competition was one of the towns highlights of last year.

Now, the town’s signature booming voice is looking for sponsors to help him keep running the competition.

Andrew Fox said: “We are looking for sponsors. Every year we put together a booklet that we handout around the town.

“If people want to back us then they can take out an advert in that booklet, and it helps keep us going.

“Ilminster Town Council is very supportive but it just doesn’t have the funds to support us.”

So far, Mr Fox has been keeping his role as crier going with the backing of generous business, as well as a large input from his own funds.

“It costs somwhere in the region of £1,000 to put on the Ilminster Town Crier Competition each year,” Mr Fox added.

“It is colourful, it is loud, it is very popular.

“At a time when some competitions around the country are really struggling, we have a fantastic turnout every year.”

The line up for this year’s event has already been set, with criers coming to Ilminster from Wales, Cornwall and Sussex, as well as Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire.

The 2019 competition will be on Somerset Day - May 11.

Last year’s best crier was Peder Nielsen, of Bromyard, while best dressed crier award went to Ken Knowles, of Lichfield.