WANNABE town criers in Dorchester will get the chance to shout about their suitability for the position during interviews.

The previous incumbent of the position in the town, Alistair Chisholm, is standing down – but will be involved in finding his successor.

Dorchester Town Council is appealing for people to apply for the role, with shortlisted applicants then being asked to take part in an unusual selection process.

After applications close on February 12, people shortlisted for the job will be “invited to perform in a nearby public location before the successor is chosen”, the town council said.

To start the recruitment process, Alistair himself took to town streets to cry an advertisement for the job.

Mr Chisholm has hung up his bell after 27 years as Dorchester’s town crier, which saw him scoop 11 national titles.

Alistair Chisholm has stood down from the role of town crier in Dorchester

His final cry, which took place at midnight on December 31, went:

“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
For 27 years, I’ve been crying on the streets,
But now I am retiring because I am wobbly on my feet,
It’s time to pass on this traditional role,
To someone new, who our town can extol,
Someone who is proud of the town, and its folk,
Someone who can be serious, but also likes a joke,
Man or woman, that matters not a jot,
Just write to the council and tell them what you have got!
God Save the King!”

For more details on the role, and to apply for the position, log on to www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk.

People are invited to apply, with a letter explaining why they are suitable for the prestigious position, by February 12 to Dorchester Town Council, 19 North Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JF.