Town Criers came to the South Hams from across the world to compete in the 30th anniversary of the Sir Francis Drake Armada Cup.

Ken Knowles from Lichfield, Staffordshire won the Armada Cup, awarded to the most successful crier across all three days of competition. He also won the competition in Kingsbridge and Salcombe.

The winner of the competition in Dartmouth held last Sunday was Ed Christopher, representing Hamilton Bermuda.

There were three full days of competition across the South Hams from Friday, July 27, to Sunday, July 29.

Starting in Salcombe at Overbecks, the town criers went head to head with a Home Cry. Roger Pinder presented the prizes to the winner Ken Knowles, followed closely by Owen Collier from Royal Wootton Bassett and in third position was Ros Charlton-Chard from Hatherleigh Manor.

The following day, the criers travelled to Kingsbridge for an Open Cry where Ken Knowles secured his second win of the weekend.

He was followed by Devlin Hobson in second place from Middlewich, Cheshire and Owen Collier in third place.

For the best dressed category, Roy Goodwin from Ilfracombe was the best dressed crier, Caroline Cunliffe, the best dressed consort and Chris and Jenny Smirthwaite were awarded the best dressed couple.

The final day of competition was held in Dartmouth where the criers had a parade along the South Embankment. Ed Christopher was awarded first prize, Chris Smirthwaite second prize and David Craner from Crewkerne, Somerset came in third.

Devlin Hobson was crowned the best dressed town crier, Jenny Smirthwaite the best dressed consort and Jackie Edwards and her consort John were awarded the best dressed couple.

During the weekend there was also a special guest cry from Oliver Day from Stoke Gabriel who is the UK’s youngest town crier, at the age of nine. Roger Pinder, a host crier and competitor is Oliver’s grandfather.

A special thanks goes out to Barry Probyn, a cub and scout leader who has volunteered for 30 years and to all the judges of the town criers competition and the best dressed categories.

The town crier for Dartmouth, Les Ellis has recently acquired some new regalia made by local seamstress Sophie Tope.

The dates for next year’s competition will be from July 26 to July 28, 2019.