A LOUD spokesman for Wotton-under-Edge is getting his vocal chords in tune ahead of a trip to the other side of the world to compete against the best in his field.

Town crier George Carpenter has been giving a voice to civic ceremonies in the town for the past 35 years, and he is showing no sign of quietening down for at least the foreseeable future.

"It is a wonderful honour to represent the town," said Mr Carpenter. "I have seen so many places and met so many wonderful people in my role as Wotton town crier."

During his time in the role Mr Carpenter has met fellow criers from across the globe, and established firm ties as far afield as Canada.

And he is hoping that his trip to the World Town Crier Championships in Maryborough, Australia, in September next year will lead to more long-term friendships.

He said: "I am going to several national crying competitions this year but next year's one in Australia will be the big one."

Mr Carpenter said there is a great degree of variation in the role.

"You never know from one time to another what duties you will need to perform or where to job will take you. I get a lot of invitations from abroad and also have many civic duties to perform within the town.

Mr Carpenter donned his crier outfit at the weekend to welcome visitors from the Wotton's French twin, Beaumont-le-Roger, to the town.