AN event that has attracted the world's top town criers to Bromyard has been halted.

Organisers of the Bromyard Spring Festival of Town Criers have decided to pull the plug after eight years.

Spokesman Joan Dauncey said the decision was made at the last meeting of the committee.

"Most of our team are in their 60s and feeling the strain of running such an event," she said.

"The last few years have been very difficult, owing to the many restrictions and lack of financial support."

Mrs Dauncey said this year's festival, in May, was probably the best yet, attracting criers from across Britain and as far afield as Holland and Belgium.

The two-day event included a host of competitions, demonstrations and a colourful parade through the town centre.

"We've tried in a small way to put Bromyard on the tourist map and I think this has been achieved," explained Mrs Dauncey, who said the committee had discussed staging a smaller one-day event, but no decision had been made.

Ledbury town crier and regular festival competitor Bill Turberfield said: "It's very, very sad. I don't think I could have been treated better than I was at the festival.

"I think, even if it is only on a small scale, something should be held. It kept the town in touch with other areas and was good for tourism."

Although the festival may have finished, Bromyard town crier Peter Dauncey will continue with his duties.

Anyone who can offer help or ideas for the future of the festival, should call Joan Dauncey on 01885 482898.