‘A GREAT spectacle’.

That is how Otley’s very first Open Town Crier competition, which took place on Sunday, September 23, has been hailed.

The event saw Barnoldswick Town Crier Eliza Mowe emerge victorious from a field of 12 criers from across the country.

She was rewarded with a trophy and a series of Thomas Chippendale prints made to mark the 300th anniversary of the master cabinet maker, who was born in Otley in 1718.

The contest began with a parade through town, led by national champion and Otley Bellman Terry Ford, to the Market Place.

The criers had to first perform a cry extolling the virtues of their own town, before performing a subject cry on Chippendale - with each judged by a panel that included Otley Town Poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard.

Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson said: “The competition was entertaining, colourful and a great spectacle!

“A warm thanks from Otley Town Council to all the criers who travelled from far and wide to join us for our inaugural competition.

“I am confident we will be welcoming you back next year. The event was a great success and brought a different colour and atmosphere to the town, complementing the folk festival very well.

“Special thanks to Terry Ford for driving the idea and hosting so elegantly, and to the staff and fellow town councillors who assisted in the organisation and stewarding on the day, as well as all the local businesses who sponsored trophies and souvenirs for the participants.”