A TAVISTOCK businessman has narrowly missed out on becoming the new voice of the Speaking Clock. James McQueen (pictured left) of McQueen's gift shop in Brook Street was one of three finalists chosen from more than 18,000 people — but in the end it was Sara Mendes da Costa from Brighton and Hove who was picked for the role. The winner was announced on Children In Need night on Friday from the BT Tower in London, where the three finalists waited in anticipation. The contest raised over £200,000 for the appeal. Mr McQueen, an experienced public speaker, said it would have been great to win, but he was really pleased for Sara who had 'a fantastic voice.' 'Sara is a professional voice coach so this will make an amazing difference to her life,' said Mr McQueen, who lives near Callington. Mr McQueen said all he had to do was a ten second recording of his voice. He said: 'The judges narrowed it down after listening to all the voices and I was lucky enough to be shortlisted, which meant I had a great couple of days in London. 'We were wined and dined on the Thursday night and on the morning of Children In Need we were on BBC Breakfast News and then taken to Greenwich for a photo shoot where we were presented with watches.' At the BT Tower, the main call centre for the charity night, Mr McQueen mixed with the Who's Who of the entertainment world, where the atmosphere was 'phenomenal'. 'We were answering calls from people making donations and sitting next to the Eastenders crew,' he said. 'After the show we went to the celebrity back stage party. It was completely exhausting but great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it.' Of all the celebrities he met on the night Mr McQueen said Emma Bunton, who sings this year's official Children In Need song 'Downtown', was his favourite because she was 'absolutely genuine.' He came back armed with autographs for his two young daughters Hannah and Amy. The Speaking Clock still receives more than 70 million calls each year from people looking for confirmation of the precise time. The dulcet tones of Sara Mendes da Costa will replace the voice of Brian Cobby and she will be only the fourth 'permanent' holder of the unpaid role since it was established 70 years ago.