DO you hear that? It sounds like Oyez, Oyez, Oyez... that can mean only one thing, the town crier competition returns to Newton Abbot.

Newton Abbot's town crier, Nigel Kenneison, will be welcoming his fellow criers to the town on Saturday, September 9, as it once again hosts the most ancient competition.

The event, which is being sponsored by Austins, the Society of Independent Brewers and Keith Stokes-Smith, the Lord of the manorial borough of Newton Abbot, kicks off just after 10am, and will run into the afternoon.

Criers from across the country are expected to make the journey to Newton Abbot for the competition.

Also known as a bellman, a town crier is an officer of a royal court or public authority who makes public pronouncements as required.

In todays day and age the role is very much a ceremonial one, but it remains a spectacle all the same.

Elsewhere, there will be children's craft sessions and St Leonards clock tower will be open for tours.