MORE than 300 years of tradition was brought to life with a historic reading in Whitehaven today.

The town crier, Rob Romano, wore a traditional costume and rang a bell to summon shoppers before delivering the proclamation.

The event at the Gazebo was the 344th reading of the Whitehaven Market charter and it coincided with the town's continental market, which finishes on Saturday.

The traditional reading, called the the Lammas Fair Proclamation, was granted by King Charles II in 1672.

After the reading, as is tradition, the crier collected signatures from those who witnessed the event and sent the signed forms to the Whitehaven Archive and Local Studies Centre.

Rob Romano, the town crier, said: "The Whitehaven fair was granted to be held annually on the twelfth day of August, and if that day was Sunday then the said fair was to be held on the next day, for ever thereafter."

The 80-year-old from Hillcrest added: "This is part of the town's history and heritage it is important that we keep it going to preserve it. It's up to the next generation now to carry on these traditions."

The former travel agent manager said that anybody interested in taking on the role, to carry on the traditions, should enquire at The Rum Story or at the St Nicholas Centre.

He said the role was an "honour" admitted that it was time for somebody younger to take on the role or have somebody to share the job with.

A crowd of people gathered around the crier during the reading and took photographs.

One of those was 97-year-old Oswald James Coyles from Parton said he makes sure he comes to see the reading every year.

He said: "It's nice because it is keeping a very old tradition alive and that is what it all about."