A SOMERSET town is set to host one of the largest town crier competitions in England.

Twenty-two town criers, from Cornwall to Surrey and Dorset to Powys, will head to Ilminster on Saturday, September 18, to compete for a number of awards and trophies.

A spokesperson for the event said: "After a drab and difficult year, this will be an opportunity for some colour, spectacle, rejoicing and tradition."

Many of the criers will also be accompanied by uniformed escorts.

The competition starts at 10am, with a parade of the criers and escorts from Ilminster Arts Centre to the Market Square.

Criers will then declaim two cries each - one in praise of each home town, and the second on a theme.

The theme this year is 'rebellion', decided due to the fact the county featured in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.

Criers will be judged not only on volume of sound and thunder but also on clarity, diction and expressiveness.

Their regalia will also be judged during the competition.

During the interval, junior criers from Somerset, Dorset and Devon will take part in a friendly competition.

The competition is due to finish around 2pm, and there will be seating for spectators and supporters to enjoy the day.

To find out more visit facebook.com/IlminsterTownCrier.