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David is looking for a Deputy

David Bullock has been the Norwich City Crier since 1984. The 76-year-old took on the role after retiring from the police force and since then he has taken part in dozens of civic functions.

After years in 'the crying game', David will eventually hang up his robes and Norwich City Council want to enrol a deputy to take over his role.

Crying around the world

The job has seen David travel around the world, taking on other criers in various competitions.

"I've travelled all over the place," said Mr Bullock.

"My biggest claims to fame are winning one competition in America and coming second in the world in Canada," he added.

David says he has no plans to retire in the immediate future, but Norwich City Council is looking for a deputy who will be able to take over when he steps down.

"I would love to think that I'm going to do this until I curl my toes up, but you've got to make up for eventualities that might come along," he said.

Becoming a City Crier?

David will handle the training of the deputy and he believes the successful candidate will need certain skills.

"You've got to like people and have a presence. It helps to have a military background because you should be smart and upright.

David's hat costs more than £400

"You can have fun, but at the same time, you've got to be disciplined with it," he said.

The cost of looking good

As David is not actually employed by Norwich City Council, he not paid for his services, but is given a 'reasonable' allowance.

David even has to pay for his uniform, which costs around £2,500.

"It's not a cheap thing to go into. The hat alone costs £420," said David.

The Crier regalia certainly catches the eye. If you spend a few minutes with David you will soon see people stopping to talk to him, or taking photographs.

The comments have not always been kind though.

"When I first started I'd get people saying 'nice legs, shame about the face', but in the main, people accept it and think it's marvelous," he said.

"It's part of our heritage and our history. I think life would be terribly grey if we didn't have it behind us. It's what makes us who we are," he added.

For more information or to apply, contact Linda Lordoes on 01603 212078. The closing date is Friday, 13 March, 2009.