A COLOURFUL piece of 18th century history was brought to life in Royal Wootton Bassett when town criers from all over the country turned up in costume for a competition.

With stentorian calls of “Oyez, oyez, oyez” they regaled fellow criers and shoppers throughout the morning.

Eighteen of them, including one woman competitor, had come from all around the country to shout greetings from their home towns at top volume while a panel of judges marked them on diction, inflexion, clarity and practical costume.

“We have some very good criers,” said host crier Owen Collier.

“We always have good numbers but this one of the largest turnouts this year.

“I think they like the character of the town and the history and tradition of the town crier.”

The eventual winner of the competition was former world and european champion Trevor Heeks, from Trowbridge. His wife also won the best dressed lady competition.

Andrew Fox from Ilminster, Somerset, took second place while Roy Goodwin from Ilfracombe came third. The best-dressed crier title went to Tony Evans representing Nailsworth and Minchinhampton while the best-dressed couple was Chris and Jennifer Smirthwaite from Liskeard in Cornwall.

The trophies were miniature glass replicas of the globe on top of the town’s war memorial.

Yeovil town crier Bruce Trigger was resplendent in a pillar box red coat with intricate embroidery and a waterfall of lace at his throat.

He said he had done the job for 20 years and was at the first competition in Royal Wootton Bassett.

“We’re a friendly lot. It’s camaraderie and we’re keeping a tradition going that would disappear if we stopped,” he said.