TOWN criers from across the country descended on Barnoldswick for the first national championships in three years.

Overall winner was Otley crier Terry Ford, who beat off competition from criers coming from as far away as Bishop's Stortford, near London, and Dorchester in Dorset.

The Town Crier British Championships took place in the town square and were co-hosted by Barnoldswick crier Elizabeth Anderson-Watson, in conjunction with Great Harwood, Hyndburn, Lancashire.

Criers were piped onto the square after parading from the town's Civic Hall on Station Road. Barnoldswick Brass Band serenaded the audience before the arrival of the company. The colourful criers joined shoppers browsing Barnoldswick's monthly Saturday market between their cries, and handed out postcards from their home towns.

Local judges were led by Barnoldswick Town Council's chairman-elect, Councillor Jodie-Marie Hoyle. Cllr Hoyle was accompanied by local history society secretary Bob Abel, walking leader Jim Maden, and Bancroft Mill Engine Museum trustee Ian McKay.

Winner of the Barnoldswick Bellman trophy was Otley crier Terry Ford, Terry also won the overall 2022 British Championship.

David and Jo Jackson representing Malton and Norton were judged 'best dressed couple'. 'Best ambassador' was Carole Williams from Bishop's Stortford, 'best dressed crier' was Sleaford's John Griffiths. Nuneaton and Bedworth's Paul Gough won the best content of cry.

John Griffiths was in third place overall and Dorchester's Alistair Chisholm was runner up in the overall competition.

The award ceremony was held in the evening at Churchfield House when Terry was presented with the 'Barlick Bellman' trophy - a unique, carved wooden representation of a town crier. He was also awarded the LCTC British Town Crier Championship trophy and the title of British Champion Town Crier.

Terry said: "I was privileged to take part in the first 'in-person' British Championship since the start of the Covid pandemic.

"Each crier was required to deliver a home cry (describing the merits and attractions of the town or area in which they are based) and a subject cry which is chosen by the host and researched and written by each competitor.

"The awards came as a total shock. I've entered the competition in the past and gained second place on more than one occasion and it was a genuine surprise and an honour to win at this event."

Barnoldswick crier Elizabeth Anderson-Watson said: "There was lots of praise for Barnoldswick, and our hosting, from visiting criers and a great time was had by all."