Oyez! Oyez! Town Criers from all over the British Isles will visiting Tenby this weekend for the Worthington Tenby Town Charter Invitation Town Crier Competition.

The event, which will be attended by 25 criers and their escorts, heralds the start of the resort's celebrations to mark the 600th anniversary of a charter granted by Henry IV in 1402, which allowed the Burgesses of Tenby to elect a Mayor.

The criers will be arriving today (Friday) and will be attending a welcome buffet at the Royal British Legion, before being introduced to the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown at tonight's Civic Ball at the De Valence Pavilion.

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning, the criers will be in action at 10 am prompt with an introductory cry about their own home town taking place in the grounds of St. Mary's Church, Tenby, by kind permission of the Rector, Canon David Jenkins.

Participants will then tour the town visiting retail sponsors to cry thanks for sponsorship, before assembling at the War Memorial at 1.45 pm to join with Clr. Mrs. Brown, her mace bearers, escorts and youth representatives to parade to the Harbour, where the second cry will take place.

Led by the Swansea Festival Band, the procession through the town, promises to be a colourful spectacle.

Tenby Town Brass Band will be playing on the Harbour and the second cry will be on the history of Tenby from 1402 to 2002.

Following the judging and prize-giving ceremony, the criers will be entertained by Clr. Mrs. Brown at the De Valence Pavilion.

Then on Sunday, the criers will be attending the morning service at St. Mary's Church, before the weekend is brought to a conclusion with lunch at the De Valence Pavilion Cafe.

Tenby's own town crier, John Thomas who will be Master of Ceremonies for the event is looking forward to meeting up with counterparts from all around Great Britain and is keeping his fingers crossed for fine weather.

And as a special memento of their visit to Tenby, John has made miniature town crier models from shells which he will be presenting to all the competition entrants, who will also receive a copy of the certificate of the Tenby Town Charter, prepared by Clr. Stuart Fecci.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported the competition, particularly those who are provided accommodation and donating meals for the participants and their escorts," said John, who has been Tenby's town crier for the last 21-years.

"The sponsorship we have received has been excellent and greatly appreciated.

"We are looking forward to an enjoyable weekend and a good turnout of spectators to watch the event."