Wootton Bassett deputy town crier Owen Collier has shouted his way into third place at the South of England Championships.

Mr Collier, 45, of Blackthorn Close, picked up the bronze position at the crier's competition in Dorset with a specially composed cry about VE Day.

His cry began with the words: "60 years on we look back and see, the legacy of our victory."

Mr Collier, who was placed 7th in the nationals last year, will take over as the town's crier from tomorrow following Fred 'Boots' Deacon's retirement at the mayor making ceremony tonight.

Mr Collier said: "I'm looking forward to it although Fred's boots are big ones to fill after so many years of service."

Mr Collier will travel to Yeovil next weekend to compete in another competition organised by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers to once more shout out the glories of Wootton Bassett. And he'll have to be on good form as he tries to outdo 30 other criers from across the country.

"It's definitely one of the big ones and all you can do is keep your chin up and give it your best," he said.