IF you sit and listen to one of the barristers at this summer s Dunmow Flitch Trials you could be forgiven for thinking that you recognise his voice. Well, you are right because the sultry tones of BBC Essex s Dave Monk will be lighting up the court sessi

IF you sit and listen to one of the barristers at this summer's Dunmow Flitch Trials you could be forgiven for thinking that you recognise his voice.

Well, you are right because the sultry tones of BBC Essex's Dave Monk will be lighting up the court sessions for this years event as he takes on the role of a courtroom barrister, determined to get the truth.

The drive time morning DJ will be asking the questions and making the statements which could mean a couple taking home the side of bacon, or not.

Speaking to the Broadcast he described how, the second time around, he would still be nervous, but incredibly excited. "It is a very special event and I am honoured to return to the counsel once again because it is such a unique day, I think in fact that people who come to film and take pictures from Hong Kong, Australia and all the other far away places seem to be even more interested then we are sometimes!."

David got involved in the flitch trials six years ago when he was approached by the organising committee. He said: "They asked if I fancied firing some questions at some prospective couples on the day, how could I refuse? So in 2004 I acted as a barrister both for and against the couples."

David sights one of the highlights of the barristers' job as playing to the crowd. "They boo, hiss and cheer just like panto, except the flitch is a little more serious because you get winners and losers, so there is that extra twist," he said.

This year he is aiming to be really tough on the contestants, as he publicly delves into their past and tries to unearth the "glittering truth" to ascertain whether or not the jury should decide to award them the flitch.

He said: "If there is anything flimsy about the case I will do my upmost to ensure the jury hear about it, because after all, it is a competition."

You can see Dave Monk in action on flitch trial day, July 12. Tickets are still available from Banana Travel in Dunmow's Market Square.