Hear ye: Crier defends his crown

5:06pm Tuesday 26th June 2007

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DORCHESTER Town Crier Alistair Chisholm has defended his British championship in a tough competition in Cheshire.

Mr Chisholm beat of competition from 29 other town criers from across Britain and even one from Holland to take the title for the second year in a row and the fourth time total.

He said: "I am dead chuffed.

"The competition is organised by the Loyal Company of Town Criers and there was a lot of tough competition from some very good town criers so I didn't expect to win at all.

"As they were announcing the winners in reverse order I though to myself, oh what a disappointment I haven't even made it into the top 10 but when they said I had won I was absolutely delighted."

Mr Chisholm completed two cries one based on one of Dorset's most famous sons Admiral Thomas Hardy and the other based on 'crime and law in days of yore'.

"They were both very well received I was able to make a little bit more of delivery not just shouting them out as loudly as possible.

"It was a really good event and my voice held out, though it's a bit croaky now."

He hopes to gain another title in October when he travels to Hastings to take part in the National Championships organised by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

"It's a title I have held before and it would be great to win again but we will have to see," he said.