Town crier delighted to come 3rd in world contest

A town crier from Surrey has said he is "delighted and a bit shocked" to finish third in an international competition.

Christian Ashdown, who has cried for Haslemere for 16 years, was the highest-placed British entrant at the World Town Crier Tournament in Chester.

The tournament, which concluded on Saturday, was won by Kevin Howarth from the city of Toowoomba in Australia, with Joris Goens of Veurne in Belgium placing second.

Ashdown told the BBC he was "quite surprised" to finish as high as third as there were "big players" from elsewhere in the world among the 25 criers taking part.

The competition was hosted by Chester town crier David Mitchell, who shares the role with his wife Julie.

Competitors were judged on three cries - one on their home towns, one on a lingerie shop that sponsored the event and another on their hotel accommodation.

Town criers date back hundreds of years and are known for their distinct outfits, large bells and shouts of "oyez, oyez, oyez".

The role continues in the modern day in a ceremonial capacity, helping to boost tourism, host events and support charities.

Ashdown said: "It's just a good way of spreading what's going on.

"People are so busy looking their phones nowadays, watching TV, it's a different medium."

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