WHITEHAVEN is marked an historic occasion this week with the 350th annual 'shout' - or market announcement - for the annual Lamas Fair. 

The first shout in the early reign of King George III set the scene to proclaim the annual markets, and the tradition has continued through the centuries.

The Lamas Fair was the original harvest gathering for farmers and country folk and it was far more than just a market.

The fairs were the occasion for people to meet, date, drink and sell their wares and over the centuries, they evolved into weekly traders' markets and the High Streets we know today. 

Marc Goodwin, the new town crier, was on holiday but thankfully town stalwart and semi-retired crier Rob Romano was available to mark the occasion.

READ MORE: Whitehaven's new town crier shares his diary with us

Mr Romano said: "In the excitement of the week with the tall ship visit, we nearly missed this until I was checking the records in preparation for this weekends shout.

"Whitehaven is a town full of history but even in our unique town, a 350th anniversary is such a rare thing so we hope people turn out to support the shout."

Louise Savage who coordinates the Crier Office said: "This is a very special day and it’s something for people to remember to be honest.

"With luck there will be a healthy turnout to support Rob and witness the occasion."

Gerard Richardson, who is part of the official Town Crier office, said: "The event went really well, every year the shout happens in August and we realised only the week before the significance of the date. 

"There was a good crowd who came along and Charlie Maudling, the mayor of Whitehaven came along to attend. 

"Witnesses were allowed to sign a document marking the occassion and quite a few turned out."