AN unusual character could soon be walking the beat in Ilkley, proclaiming the news and adding a touch of olde worlde charm wherever he goes.

Yes, Ilkley could soon have its very own town crier.

The idea has been mooted by Ann Mutton, of Ilkley Tourist and Town Management Committee, who says a noble figure from the past would bring the crowds flocking to Ilkley.

The proposal will now be passed to Ilkley Parish Council to have their say.

But what do the people on the streets of Ilkley think about the idea?

Businessman Robin Williams, of Stockinger Lane, Addingham thought the idea was 'first class'.

Mr Williams, 34, who co-owns Tubby Wadlows restaurant, on the Grove, said: "It is a wonderful idea to have a town crier.

"It would add a bit of local colour. We sink money into things like the Moors Shopping Centre so why not add a bit of vibrancy.

"A town crier is just a nice figure to have about."

Geoffrey Lampert, 66, of Crossbeck Road, Ilkley, felt that the addition of a town crier would not make much of a difference in Ilkley's quest to attract more tourism.

"I wouldn't want Ilkley to be a tourist town. It is not a town like Harrogate."

Sophie Worboys, 17, of Parish Ghyll Road, Ilkley, and Kirsty Fairhurst, also 17, of Regency Courts, Ilkley, appreciated the town's history and many attractions, and found Ilkley to be a tourist town already.

"I think that there is enough tourism in Ilkley, especially in the summer because that is when more people come," Sophie said. "Ilkley is historic with the White Wells. It's pretty and not a very lively small country town with rivers and parks as some of its attractions."

Christine Davenport, assistant manager of the Co-op store, on Brooke Street, thought the crier would be a good way of letting townsfolk know of up and coming events.

Ms Davenport, 38, said: "It would be a good way of advertising. There are things going on that you do not get to hear about.

"There was a Santa procession last week and we knew nothing about it until it came up here."

Ms Davenport was worried that the idea might not appeal to the town's more conservative residents.

Caroline Booton, 37, of Great Pasture, Burley in Wharfedale, thought a town crier might liven up Ilkley.

"I think it would be a nice idea. A bit of colour and noise, as long as they don't shout in my ear. I think there are a mixture of people in Ilkley, but a lot of retired people here" she said.

Stephen Cotterill, 17, of Lawn Avenue, Burley-in-Wharfedale, agreed that a town crier in Ilkley would help in building up tourism.

"It gets more people into Ilkley instead of places like York. Ilkley has a history with White Wells, the Cow and Calf rocks, walks, and moors. To me, Ilkley is as nice as any where else."

James Douglas Tilley, of Mayfield Close, Ilkley, thought a town crier would add a jovial, light-hearted atmosphere to Ilkley.

Mr Tilley, 57, said: "You have got to laugh. I think it would attract people to the town if they knew when he was going to be shouting.

"We have got to move forward and introduce something new, whilst looking back at the same time."

Sue Hills, 54, of Rombalds Court, in Menston, said she thought it would be a boost for the town. "I think it would be good for Ilkley - it's quite a traditional little town. I think it would work in a small town like this," she said. Miss Hill, who originally comes from London, said she had been impressed with town criers in other areas. "It makes the event lively and it's good for the children.

"I have only lived here for ten years and as an outsider I think Ilkley is getting better all the time. It's in keeping with the town to have a crier."

Simon Dakin, 35, of Wells Road, Ilkley, believed it would spark the interest of people from abroad.

"I'm sure it would be beneficial to tourism because a lot of people, mainly tourists, like it. I have lived here on and off for about nine years, and I have seen tourists come and go.

"Local people come to Ilkley for its lovely tea rooms and walking. Tourists come for other interests. For those who come from afar, I'm sure a town crier would raise their expectations of Ilkley."

John Sanderson, 63, of Ilkley Hall Park, Ilkley, wasn't quite so sure that a crier would pull in the crowds. "I think marginally it might attract more people," he said. "Some people would be intrigued when they arrived and saw him."

He thought the crier should be a colourful character, with a uniform and hat, but said he wouldn't be volunteering for the job!

Diane Flynn, 42, of Crossbeck Road, said it was a novel idea. "I think it would add to the atmosphere in the town," she commented. "I would definitely be all in favour of it."

And she even suggested that the position could be taken up by a woman. "A woman would definitely be more interesting," she said.