TOWN criers from around the south visited Wimborne for an event worth shouting about.

Seventeen criers took part in a competition for the coveted title of Champion Town Crier of Southern England, first parading through the town in their finery to the Minster Green.

Competitors took part in several cries during the day, including one that extolled the virtues of their home town to encourage new visitors.

Wimborne town crier Chris Brown, pictured, said the day was “glorious in so many ways”.

“This was a day of joy, humour and presenting Wimborne at its very best,” he said.

“The day began with town criers and escorts in their splendid costumes assembling at Church House to be joined by the Dorset Youth Marching Band to parade through the town. When they reached Willow Walk the criers paused to enjoy an excellent display by these fantastically gifted young people. From there they processed to Mill Lane for photos by one of the sponsors Minster Press, and then back to the Minster Green for the competition’s first round.”

Before the competition got under way, the Wimborne Militia fired a volley of muskets – a tradition designed to scourge the town of any evil spirits that may be lurking to spoil the day.

“The Militia muskets did the trick, keeping the day free of blemish and a large and enthusiastic audience enjoyed this wonderful pageant of colour history and tradition,” said Mr Brown.

The competition was fierce, but in the end Dorset locals were delighted to cheer for one of their own – Andrew Fleming, who is the town crier of Swanage.

In second place was Ken Knowles of Lichfield, while Crewkerne and Beaminter crier David Craner came in third place.

Mr Craner also took the top prize for best-dressed town crier for his bellman of the Tudor period costume.