Town criers ring out for contest

Town criers paraded through Hastings before the competition

Town criers from across England descended on a town in East Sussex for the 52nd annual championships.

The contest, in Priory Meadow in Hastings on Saturday, saw 29 criers shouting and ringing their bells to compete for money and a trophy.

Participants paraded through the town in bright sunshine before attempting to win prizes for the loudest cry and the best dressed competitor.

The winner of the contest was reigning champion Phil Street from Lyme Regis.

The event was held to mark the end of Hastings week, which commerates the Battle of Hastings.

Later the town criers were to meet at the Town Hall entrance to join Hastings Bonfire Society for a torchlight procession and lighting of the bonfire.