A DESPERATE appeal for help has come from Tavistock's town crier, who is fearful this July's European Town Criers' Championships could fold.

Bob Rose is planning what should be a spectacular, colourful contest involving more than 70 criers from all over Britain and Europe — but he is struggling to organise such a large event single-handed.

Mr Rose has managed to get funding secured for the championships which will take place during Tavistock's carnival week — he now needs manpower.

He said: 'I have been virtually left high and dry. The Lions are really pushed with the carnival so they can't really spare anyone.

'I really do need this help — if I can't get it, it will be a shambles and that's the last thing I want.

'I want to put on a good image for the town.'

He said he needs people from around the middle of May to start selling souvenir programmes for the event and draw tickets — also to track down items such as tents, flags, seats etc.

'I am going to need someone to greet the criers as they arrive and report to base at the Bedford Hotel — they will give out the welcome packs so that the criers are aware of the arrangements.

'If I've got a fairly good nucleus of people we can spread the job around a bit,' said Mr Rose.

On competition day, July 15, there will be two crying sites, one in the Meadows and one in Bank Square.

There will be a 'home cry' and a 'millennium cry', with the criers swapping sites halfway through — the actual competition will run between 10am and 4pm.

'I need six people to act as judges at each site — they will be briefed by the president of the Guild who will tell them what to do,' said Mr Rose.

He also needs 'runners' from the two sites, who will pass scores to the co-ordinator at the Royal British Legion Club, and helpers to erect tents and arrange seating.

'Perhaps the scouts or guides may like to be involved,' Bob suggested.

'There will be a lot to be done, but I am sure people will enjoy being involved.

'I just can't do it all myself,' he said.

Town clerk Roger Howard, who has been helping Mr Rose as far as he can, said: 'Unless Bob gets more offers of help soon, the competition must be in doubt.

'The town council has supported him both administratively and financially but Bob needs helpers willing to give him a few hours a week now.'

Anyone who would like to be involved in what promises to be a busy but fun day should contact Mr Rose at home on 01822 890410 or via the town council offices on 01822 613529.

He would also like to hear from any local organisation willing to loan two tents, about nine-foot square in size, and some chairs and tables.

The last European Town Criers' Championships were hosted by Bromyard Parish Council in Hereford.

The event was controlled by the town's spring festival committee of eight people, chaired by the town crier.

The championships drew in thousands of people, boosted trade and received much publicity for the town.

The mayor, town crier and clerk from Bromyard are visiting Devon to hand over the championship charter to the mayor of Tavistock on Wednesday, May 17 at 2pm.