The world's youngest Town Crier, Thomas Shears, 12, will be competing against his father -- 40 year-old Andrew -- at the 16^th Australian Town Crier Championship from September 8-10.

They are also the world's only father and son team.

Andrew is Town Crier for the City of Greater Geelong, Victoria, and Thomas, the Junior Ton Crier for the Western Precinct of the same city. They will compete against each other and 21 other Criers for the title of Australian Champion at the Australian Springtime Flora Festival at Mt Penang Parklands on Saturday, September 9, from 10am-3pm.

Thomas's mother, Jo, and siblings, Zachary, 16, Jordan, 14, Jacob, 10, Isabelle, 8, and Benjamin, 7, will all attend the event.

Jo Shears said that the children had all been involved with Town Crying from an early age.

"Andrew wanted all the kids first words to be Oyez! Oyez!" she said.

"The kids have all grown up around Town Crying, as that is what their Dad does -- makes lots of noise and rings bells."

Jo, who is the official "hat fluffer", bell polisher, "cry" editor and costume maker when not acting as Andrew's official escort for competitions, said that it gets "a little noisy" with a house full of Town Criers.

"The kids all yell from room to room instead of walking in to speak to each other," said Jo.

"We have just moved from a five acre property, where the kids could make all the noise they like, to a city house -- so now we notice the noise much more.

"The neighbours definitely realise that a family of Town Criers have moved in next door."

According to father, Andrew, there is definitely some stiff competition now between himself and Thomas for the championships.

"I like to think that I still have the edge, as I have more volume," said Andrew.

"However, Thomas has very good clarity, excellent diction and is quite loud."

Andrew has been the official Town Crier for the City of Geelong for over 14 years. He originally got involved through an advertisement calling for Criers. The position became so popular that it was officially recognized in 1992.

As well as appearing at the Flora Festival, you can see Andrew and Thomas Shears in action on Friday, September 8, in the Gosford CBD as they 'cry' for the different shop fronts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Jo Shears on (03) 5222 7516 or 0414 921 499
Andrew Shears on 0409 216 671.

--ENDS--

L - R: Thomas and Andrew Shears in their uniforms. Thomas and Andrew are the world's only
official father and son Town Criers. Thomas is also the world's youngest official Town Crier.