THE SEARCH for the best town crier in the South brings a bit of noise to Wimborne next month.

Entries in the biennial Southern England Town Crier’s competition are up, with 23 contestants limbering up to cry their hearts out for the prestigious prize, compared to 17 in 2009. They’ll vye for the crown over two rounds at Waitrose riverside green and the Minster Green on Monday, May 2.

Wimborne’s town crier Chris Brown, who cannot enter as host, says it’s all to play for.

Chris said: “We already have confirmed the best criers in the land and as previous winner Alistair Chisholm of Dorchester is not available, it will be very interesting to see who lifts the trophy.

“There are at least six women criers coming who are more than a match for any of the men.”

The world’s loudest woman, Rosalind Charlton-Chard from Hatherleigh in Devon, and her dog Millie, who became famous for warning her town as a devastating fire ripped through an old pub, will be competing.

Contestants are judged on volume and clarity, diction and inflection. Prizes also go to the best dressed crier.

More information is available from the Tourist Information centre, in High Street, on 01202 886116.

The event starts 10.45am.