CRIES of Oyez are set to ring out in Chesham town centre in a job interview with a difference.

The town council is looking for a new town crier to replace William Ellis, who stepped down from the post earlier this year.

Candidates will have to impress the judging panel with their vocal skills if they're to be handed the bell on a permanent basis.

Chesham mayor Mark Shaw said all the applications will be sifted through by the council next week and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

Cllr Shaw said he was delighted at the number of people who had put themselves forward for the town crier's role.

He said: "Before we officially put out an advert we had four people to start with putting their names forward.

"We'll be interviewing the candidates who come through the sift then trying them out with a bell in Market Square to see how their voices stand up to the job.

"Several people have come forward, which is really good."

Previous town crier Mr Ellis was handed the role three years ago after being nominated by the-then mayor Jane Bramwell.

He is believed to be the first person in the country with Down's syndrome to hold the post of town crier and Cllr Shaw said he would be a hard act to follow.

He said: "William had made himself very much the star of the show and raised the profile of being town crier. It will be a huge feat to fill William's shoes.

"He really stood out. He was so enthusiastic about the task and people in the town took him to heart. People used to flock around William - he was genuinely loved by the town.

"He showed what people can achieve."