Marlborough's town crier has been crowned the 'best in Wiltshire' following a Crier Competition held in Calne.
The historic 'Wiltshire Town Criers Cup' took place on Saturday, July 19, and saw Marlborough representative Emma Kimber declared the best of the best.
Typically known as the person shouting 'oyez, oyez,' and reading town proclamations, a town crier is a historically important role in Wiltshire, but particularly Marlborough which has had a town crier every year since 1204.
The award marks the first time a Marlborough crier has won in almost 10 years, after Emma's predecessor Mike Tupman MBE claimed the title back in 2016.
Mike Tupman, known fondly as 'Tuppers', died in January 2024 and Marlborough locals now say they're "beyond proud" of Emma for continuing the legacy he began.
A spokesperson for Marlborough Town Council said: "We would like to offer our congratulations to our wonderful town crier Emma Kimber, who won the Wessex Association Chamber of Commerce 'Wiltshire Town Criers Cup'.
"It's an incredible achievement, well done Emma!
"This follows on from 2016 when, after only a few weeks in the role, her predecessor Mike Tupman MBE made a magnificent start when he won the title at a competition at Bowood House."
Emma has been Marlborough's town crier since April 2024, and although taking on the role marked a new challenge, she's no stranger to being in uniform.
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She previously told the Gazette: “I am very proud to be a member of the emergency services family, including my dad, my father-in-law and both my husband and I. I am used to uniforms and public service.
"As a result of my job I was lucky enough to meet and be good friends with the two previous Town Criers, Alf Johnson and Mike 'Tuppers' Tupman.
"I always joked with them that they needed to keep the Town Crier bell polished ready for when it was my turn.
"I feel so very proud to be able to wear the uniform that he wore and feel that I have Alf and Tuppers watching over me."
According to Emma, her biggest supporter will always be her seven-year-old daughter, who attended her first town crier event waving a Union Jack flag and reportedly views her mum as the Queen.
Sharing her excitement, Marlborough Mayor Emily Trow said: "Huge congratulations and exceptionally well deserved Emma.
"You are an inspiration to us all."
Former mayor Councillor Kym-Marie Cleasby added: "Not surprised, you are an incredible town crier and such an asset to the town."
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