Glastonbury is on the hunt for a new town crier after councillors agreed to appoint a successor to David Greenway, who recently stepped down after a decade in the role.

The position, which is voluntary, has long been a feature of town events, with the crier playing a key role in ceremonial occasions and engaging with residents and visitors.

Councillor Jon Cousins highlighted the importance of the role in welcoming visitors and boosting tourism. "For tourists, especially, it's a very unique way of putting forth information about events that are going on. The uniform adds a little bit of colour to the town, and I see people always stopping to ask the town crier questions."

However, the decision was not unanimous. Councillor Lillith Osborne opposed the move, saying: "I think it's a complete waste of time and makes us look ridiculous."

Despite this, the council voted in favour of recruiting a new crier and will now establish a working group to oversee the process.

It is expected that advice will be sought from the Guild of Town Criers to ensure best practice.

The outgoing crier, David Greenway, was praised for his dedication to the town, with some councillors suggesting that he should be formally recognised for his service.

Discussions will now take place to determine how the recruitment process will work, with councillors suggesting an application and audition process.

A town council spokesperson confirmed there had already been interest in the role, saying: "We haven't even advertised yet, and we've already had people asking about it."