ERNIE Austin is the proud winner of the legendary Old Town Quiz and Treasure Hunt thanks to his sparkling sloganeering skills.

And his shining efforts were rewarded yesterday when he was presented with his prize a golden sovereign.

Ernie, 68, said: "I was surprised but thrilled to win, especially because it was the first time I entered."

The competition, sponsored by local jewellers Deacons, comprised of answering 10 questions demanding intimate knowledge of the area.

But this year four people were awarded full marks taking the contest to a tie break which involved selling Old Town in 10 words.

Describing his home like a precious stone, Ernie summed up Old Town as: "A shopping and social gem in a quality setting."

The phrase predictably stuck a chord with Richard Deacon, managing director of Deacons.

He said: "I am very pleased the competition was well supported. Ernie's winning words certainly sum up what is nice about Old Town."

Ernie admitted that it took him three days to compose his triumphant catchphrase.

"I worked on it for some time but by no means expected to win," he added.

Deacons have supported the competition since it first began 11 years ago. But this year was particularly special because of the Queen's Jubilee.

In keeping with the royal theme, the prize was a special 22-carat gold shield back sovereign produced to mark the historic occasion.

Harry Bromley, chairman of the Old Town Festival held on July 6, said: "I am delighted that such an established jewellers found such an imaginative link with the jubilee year."

Alan Benfield, 71, from Old Town, was also thanked for creating such a successful quiz.