LIVERPOOL is to get its first town crier in hundreds of years.

City leaders are advertising for someone to take the role, which they hope will give an extra boost to Liverpool’s tourism sector.

They hope to use the crier to meet tourists coming off the cruise ships that pull in at the terminal at the Pier Head.

In recent years, West Lancashire’s town crier has been drafted in to welcome tourists alighting the ships. Now the council wants its own, dedicated crier. The ceremonial role will see the winning applicant attend other civic functions.

A strong knowledge of the city and its history is a must, and the crier will also need to be possessed of a fine speaking voice with clear diction, able to make themselves heard by crowds in the open air.

However, one criterion that may exclude a number of hopefuls is the need to own one’s own crier outfit and customary bell.

The job is open to both men and women of any age. The shortlisted applicants will be put through a gruelling X Factor-style audition, where they will be judged on who has the best crier’s cry.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Frank Prendergast, said: “This is a fantastic role and we’re looking for someone who’s enthusiastic and passionate about this great city to be able to sell it to everyone they meet. In my role as Lord Mayor, I’m always attending various functions and people I meet, particularly those who aren’t from Liverpool, are keen to know more about the city – so it’s wonderful that there’ll be another ambassador spreading the message about everything we have to offer to visitors and residents.

“I hope as many people as possible apply for the position and I look forward to taking on the Simon Cowell role during the test cry.”

The successful applicant will receive a fee of £70 per appearance and mileage will be paid. They will be expected to work evenings and weekends.

Although nearby cities like Chester still employ a town crier, Liverpool has not had one since the role became ceremonial rather than official. The council estimates there has not been a town crier in the city for more than 200 years.

Town criers, or “bellmen”, as they were sometimes called, were the original bearers of news in the days before print, acting almost as a spokesman for the King or Queen of the day.

The plea of “don’t shoot the messenger” originates with town criers, as any injury was as good as injury to the monarch.

The job application can be found at liverpool.gov.uk/ jobs-and-training.