THE deafening clang of handbells and swish of multi-coloured ceremonial robes signified the culmination of the European Town Criers' Championships in Tavistock last Saturday, writes Jane Honey.
The event attracted criers from all over the country and further afield, including an entrant from Poland complete with interpreter.
Peter Dauncey, chairman of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, said: 'The standard is extremely high — we've got three past world champions, two past European champions and a past national champion here.'
There was also a separate competition for the best costume, the best dressed escort and best dressed couple.
'The costumes are usually in the town's colours or depict something particular to the area — many are copies of old military uniforms,' said Mr Dauncey.
Saturday's competition also produced a first — it is the only competition in which a father and daughter have competed.
Hilary Fairhurst, the daughter in question, was crying for the parish of Calstock — her dad was representing West Lancashire.
'It's been a really good, fun, event,' she said. 'Everybody here has enjoyed themselves.
'It's nice to meet up with people — it's just a shame I wasn't in the same group as my father, so I didn't hear him cry.'
John Bartholomew won top prize in the best costume competition. He was representing Hastings — 'popular with visitors since 1066' as he described it.
'I've had a wonderful day — the Royal British Legion have been fabulous and it's nice to see old mates.'
Clothes proved a problem for the town crier of Barnoldswick, Kevin Griffiths.
His impoverished town council could not afford a costume — so he stood in Barnoldswick town square in his underpants in heavy rain, ringing his bell and asking for sponsors. The local undertaker finally came up with the goods!
The European title was presented to E. Michael Jones, who usually cries for Bermuda.
He represented Whitchurch Canonicorum in Dorset, which has centuries-old links with the Caribbean island.
Second place went to Trevor Heeks of Trowbridge and joint third were Brian Venn of Weston-super-Mare and Phillip Street of Lyme Regis.
The best dressed escort was Mrs Keen-Price from Tewkesbury and the best dressed couple were Trevor and Lilian Heeks.
Organiser of the event, Tavistock's town crier Bob Rose, said: 'It was a super competition, everybody had a great day.
'Everybody commented on how colourful it was, and the standard was extremely high.'
He thanked all those who helped so generously to make the event a success, particularly the Royal British Legion Club, the Bedford Hotel and the town council.
All the criers were presented with an engraved whisky tumbler as a momento of the weekend.