Man wins town crier competition

Mr Robinson suffered a stroke which left him unable to speak

A man has won a town crier competition after recovering from a stroke which left him unable to speak.

John Robinson, 54, of Biddulph, Staffs, who has been the town's crier for 13 years, has won the Market Deeping Town Criers Championship in Lincolnshire.

In 2005 he won the title of British Champion, 18 months after being hospitalised with a stroke.

Mr Robinson, who now has his voice back, said he has all he needs to be good at his job - size and a big mouth.

He was a commentator at a Newcastle-under-Lyme cycle track when he took on the role as the town council brought the job back as part of its centenary.

It's my job to project the image of Biddulph John Robinson

Mr Robinson added: "My wife said 'there's a job here right up your street. You've got all the right qualifications - size and a big mouth'.

"I love it. It means I can get out and about and meet the public and the other criers.

"It's going to sound corny to say it, but it's my job to project the image of Biddulph."

Criers are judged in a variety of categories, including bearing, confidence, diction, volume and clarity.

The content of the cry is also assessed along with their dress sense.

Mr Robinson, who is in a wheelchair, can use crutches but only for short distances and admits it is difficult to project his voice as he now has to remain seated for competitions.

The win in Lincolnshire was a double celebration for him. Along with his wife, Sue, they were named as the best dressed couple.