ROYAL Wootton Bassett high street was filled with the ringing of bells and shouts about the history of the town on Saturday much to the delight of shoppers.

Almost a dozen town criers from across the country came to the town hall to take part in an annual tournament to decide the prestigious Wiltshire Championship.

In the bright sunshine, the competitors had to first shout - or cry - about their town in the first round and then about Royal Wootton Bassett in the second, with many praising the town for its repatriation ceremonies.

A team of judges then scored the criers based on a number of factors, including volume, diction and their eye-catching uniforms.

In the end, it was a clean sweep for Calne town crier Mark Wylie, who not only won the whole competition for a third time but also won the best dressed award. Earlier this year, he became the first British man to win the World Town Crier event.

Mark said: “I’m delighted to have won, especially with such a strong field. There were three or four or even more who could have won it today so it’s really special.

“Royal Wootton Bassett is always a great place and it’s even better when the sun is out like it has been.

“And the crowd were great to with so many of them staying to watch the whole thing. Winning the best dressed as well has crowned off a great day.”

There was disappointment for Royal Wootton Bassett’s own crier of 15 years, Owen Collier, who went into Saturday’s competition as the reigning champion, but he said it was an enjoyable day.

“There are three people here, including myself, who have won it twice before so the standard is really high," he said.

“Royal Wootton Bassett is a great place to hold competitions. Since we held the first one in 2006 the weather has always been fantastic and the town hall provides a magnificent back-drop.

“The people here are always really supportive. You go to some places and there is no-one but here people always stop and watch what is happening."

There were not just local criers taking part but also others from further afield. Clive O'Shaunghnessy of Millbrook in Cornwall finished second while there was also a competitor who travelled down from Bromsgrove.

As Owen was last year’s champion, Royal Wootton Bassett hosts this event and next year it will go to Calne.