LOCAL firms have been criticised for their lack of interest in a competition to find Britain's best town crier, which is scheduled to take place in Swindon at the end of June.

As reported in the Adver last month, the British Town Criers Championship is being organised by Fred Ferris, who has been Swindon's own oyez man since 1997 and he wants local business to support it.

"We have already had 22 competitors from all over the country saying they will definitely take part and many will be accompanied by ladies in Victorian costume, so it promises to be quite a spectacle," he said.

"The present European champion will be taking part and we even have four lady town criers coming."

But so far his appeal for money to provide trophies and other support has drawn a blank.

"Last year's event took place in Durham and they had all kinds of support there. So why not here?"

"This is to the credit of our town, yet so many people have run it down."

Fred, 73, a former sergeant in the Wiltshire Regiment, lives at Penhill.

His costume is modelled on a Victorian railway station master's uniform and in 2002 won the title of best-dressed town crier.

But in Swindon, he feels he is under-used. He would welcome more requests to appear at promotional and charity events.

The championship competition will be held outside the Town Hall on Regent Circus on Saturday, June 25.

To help, call Fred on 01793 721800.