BEING a town crier can be a costly past time, so one man is advertising his services to raise funds.

Crewkerne and Beaminster town crier David Craner has spent £4,000 on regalia and event and competition expenses since embarking on the shouting game three years ago.

He is starting to feel the pinch because he had to stop his part-time office job due to ill-health. He hopes to use his voice to help cover costs.

The 61-year-old said: "I have deliberately not kept a book of all the exact costs because I didn't want to frighten myself.

"But costs on regalia, such as the outfits, shoes and buckles, staff and a new bell, travelling costs to competitions and events and expenses when there have totalled about £4,000."

He is now hoping to gain sponsorship, give more talks about the history of town criers and be hired out as a toastmaster or master of ceremonies for weddings, private and business functions and community events.

Mr Craner has written to a number of organisations offering his services.

He is doing so after being told by his doctor not to continue with his desk job as a trade union secretary at West Dorset District Council in Dorchester because he suffers from arthritis and trapped nerves.

Last year he attended 20 competitions across the county and one in Holland.

He said his predominant role is promoting Crewkerne, which he has been doing for three years. He also attends some functions in Beaminster since starting there as the town crier a year ago.

He was taken on by both town councils on the understanding there would be no burden on the public purse, though he has received two grants, of £200 and £250, from Crewkerne Town Council since starting and was given £200 by Beaminster Town Council.

He is still enjoying the role and said: "My number one priority is to Crewkerne. I feel a sense of involvement with the town, which has accepted me as an outsider. I have never looked back since the town council took me on. I thoroughly enjoy it but I have spent a lot of money on it."

Mr Craner's home town of Bridport already has a town crier in Jane Silver-Corren, one of the few female exponents of the art.

After winning the Dorset Town Crier championship in 2008, he will be hosting this year's event in Beaminster on Sunday 5 July during the town's annual festival.

The town council has agreed to cover the costs of catering for the day and Mr Craner is looking for sponsorship to help pay for other expenses, including trophies. Mr Craner can be called on 01308 455733, emailed on davidcraner@btinternet.com