Town criers from all over Europe came together in Wootton Bassett at the weekend for the Ancient and Honourable Town Criers Guild Championship 2009.

The event on Saturday, which was organised by Wootton Bassett town crier Owen Collier, attracted crowds of onlookers throughout the day.

The 27 contestants competed in two categories outside the town hall.

The first saw them issue a cry for their home towns in between 100 to 125 words.

The second contest saw the criers tasked with extolling the virtues of Wootton Bassett.

Kevin Ward, the town crier of Bromsgrove, West Midlands was crowned champion and also scooped the best dressed award.

The prize for best dressed couple went to Honiton town crier Dave Retter and escsort Kassa.

Lilian Heeks from Trowbridge took the best dressed escort award.

Wootton Bassett mayor Steve Bucknell said the competition had been a huge success and praised Mr Collier for organising such a huge event for the town.

He said: "It was an absolutely fantastic event and brought a real touch of colour to the town.

"The criers said some really lovely things about Wootton Bassett. They talked about its history but also about the repatriations.

"Owen Collier gave us a cry at the start, although he wasn't allowed to actually take part in the competition. The organisation of the event, thanks to Owen, was really excellent and we are all proud of him."