CLITHEROE rang with the sound of calls of "hear ye" when the Town Criers championships arrived in town.

Organised by Clitheroe Town Crier Roland Hailwood, the contest boasted 17 town criers from across the country including Cornwall, Devon, Surrey, Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Each crier was marked by a panel of judges on the volume, clarity and diction of his call.

The Clitheroe event was the final stage of the three-day Lancashire contest and the previous heats were held in Carnforth and Kirkby Lonsdale where Mr Hailwood came fifth both days. He also picked up the best dressed crier award at Carnforth.

South Gloucester Town Crier David Fry won the Clitheroe event and also took the Lancashire Cup.

Female escorts wearing traditional costumes also wandered through the town centre streets.

The competition was linked to the national Music Live event with a lunchtime concert by the Clitheroe Town Band at the gates of Clitheroe Castle.

Picture: Clitheroe Town Crier Roland Hailwood (front left) with other town criers and consorts from all over the country.