CROWDS turned out in force on Saturday when Newton Abbot staged its annual Town Criers’ Competition.

The action got under way near St Leonard’s Tower at 10.45am with the first of two rounds featuring criers from communities across the South West.

A second round was staged at 12.45pm with the public providing plenty of applause while the judges kept their thoughts private until decision time.

First place and the Devon Championship Title were eventually awarded to John Pitt from Plymouth with Calne’s Mark Wylie taking second and also the Top Volume award.

Roger Pinder of Kingsbridge was given third place.

Phil Northcott from Penzance was named Best Dressed Crier while the Best Dressed Escort title was awarded to Michael Davies representing Newton Abbot Borough.

Robert and Heather Graham from Dawlish were named Best Dressed Couple while Rosalind Charlton-Chard from Hatherleigh was given the Best Second Cry award.

Newton Abbot’s own crier, Nigel Kenneison, hosted the event but the rules prevented him from taking part.

Mayor Cllr Alex Hall was also present. He said: ‘It was marvellous to see a centuries-old tradition alive and well in our town centre on Saturday, I congratulate all those who took part and provided such great entertainment.

‘One thing’s for sure, no one could accuse Newton Abbot of being a sleepy old town on the day!’