"IT'S my city and I'll cry if I want to," was the message York town crier John Redpath screamed at a visiting rival when a battle of the loudest broke out outside the Mansion House today.

Grimsby's town crier Ted Davy was in the city to lure York residents and visitors to Freeport Hornsea outlet village. He prevented blood being spilt by tipping Mr Redpath off about the fact he would be straying on to his territory.

Luckily, the two men have been firm friends since meeting a decade ago when Mr Redpath started out in the crying game.

Mr Davy, 56, a former drill sergeant in the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment who is also a former professional wrestler, said: "I'm here today to tell the good visitors of York that when they've seen the beautiful sights of this city and got hold of the bargains its shops have to offer they should look at Hornsea Freeport which is also a beautiful place.

"And John is here to tell me to go forth and multiply and go back there."

The Freeport Hornsea outlet village has everything on sale at half high street prices and cheaper.

Meanwhile Mr Redpath performed card tricks saying there was no point in trying to match his rival in the shouting stakes.

"He's the top man," he said.

"If this was the Wild West he'd be John Wayne and I don't know who I'd be.

"He came to York and looked after me when I became town crier ten years ago and he's backed me up ever since. We're very friendly really."

PICTURE: York Town Crier John Redpath (right) faces up to rival Ted Davy outside the Mansion House in York

Picture: Mike Tipping