VOICES were raised and bells rang out as town criers competed for the title of British champion.

Held at Lion Walk shopping centre in Colchester, the event saw 15 town criers competing over two rounds to determine the overall winner.

The event was heralded with a procession through the town centre, and the parade was headed by a Scottish piper.

Mayor of Colchester Gerard Oxford and mayoress Beverley Oxford took part and spoke to the competitors.

The town’s MP Will Quince judged the contest along with Liz Mullen from Garrison Radio, Tina Perschky from Colchester Institute, borough councillor Tim Young and judges Ian McMeekan and Patricia Prestney.

Host crier Robert Needham said it was an exciting day.

He said: “It was punctuated by a short spell of rain during the afternoon session, prompting an unexpected concert from competing town criers who gathered together and sang such songs as ‘I’m Singing in the Rain’ and ‘Bring me Sunshine.’

“We had a lot of support from Colchester Council and the Lion Walk shopping centre, I am indebted to them.

“It was a really good competition which was very keenly contested.”

The overall winner was Ken Knowles from Lichfield.