BARNOLDSWICK town crier Kevin Griffiths will join other town criers from across the country in York today for a special event to celebrate free admission in to the National Railway Museum.

As a member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers, he will help shout out the 'free for all' message across the city from the rooftop balcony of Norwich Unions new riverside building.

Fourteen members of the Loyal Company -- one representing each year the museum has been charging admission -- were expected to travel to York to join the city's own bellman for the event.

Kevin, of Clarence Street, Barnoldswick was appointed as the town's crier in 1998 and has represented the area at many events and competitions during his three years in the role.

Today he was expected to join his colleagues in a parade through the streets of York to the Mansion House where they will bring gifts and greetings to the Lord Mayor from their own towns and cities.

The National Railway Museum will be free to everyone from Saturday December 1 as part of a three-year government scheme to allow free access to flagship national collections.

Admission was first introduced at the museum in 1987 but children under 17 and pensioners have enjoyed free access during the last couple of years.

Extra funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has now enabled all entry charges to be scrapped.