LOOE'S two year search for a loveable loudmouth is over after Antony Mayfield was officially named the port's new town crier.

A number of people had applied for the job, but sadly failed the audition because their voices failed to impress town councillors.

Mr Mayfield knows a thing or two about entertaining crowds.

Before moving to Looe he was musical director for many top touring acts including the Beach Boys, Four Tops and Engelbert Humperdink. He was also involved in producing some of the best known television advertising jingles of the past 20 years.

The vacancy arose when Tim Corkill retired in August 2007 after 20 years in the job. However, the 73 year-old is still the official crier for Looe's twin town of Quiberon and he was present to hand over the official staff to Mr Mayfield at the ceremony.

Town clerk Anne Frith explained that while others had failed to come up to scratch, there was no hesitation in her council offering Mr Mayfield the job.

"We'd taken some applicants down to the pier and stood councillors on the seafront to see if their voices would carry.

"Although they were very nice gentlemen, their voices were simply not loud enough. But with Antony, you could hear him from the Guildhall!

"I'm sure he is going to do a brilliant job.

"He's flamboyant and has a great sense of humour and is happy to do almost anything,'' she said.

The new crier was equally enthusiastic about taking on the job.

He said before moving to Looe, he had been coming to the town for 40 years, and heard about the vacancy on the grapevine.

"I had to audition for the job, which was exciting. I put a bit of theatre into it and the council seemed to like it.''

Mr Mayfield is so keen on becoming the official loudmouth of Looe, he has paid for three uniforms out of his own pocket.

"I'm really up for it,'' he said. "I hope to put a bit of fun into it, but at the same time.

"I'll be taking it very seriously, I want to be a town crier who will entertain people, but also one who people can engage with.''