BOOMING voices filled Bromyard when the cream of the world's town-criers gathered for an annual contest.

Bromyard Spring Festival of Town Criers attracted entries from across the UK and as far afield as Holland and Belgium.

"It was absolutely sensational," said host and Bromyard and Winslow town crier, Peter Dauncey. "The weather was beautiful and we had the crme de la crme of town criers here, it really was tough competition."

Overall winner, and winner of Saturday's Bromyard Shield competition, was Hans Van Laethem, from Belgium.

First in Sunday's Bromyard Bell competition was Colchester's Robert Needham, who also won the best-dressed crier award.

Ann Dell from Colchester scooped best-dressed lady award.

Other events included the launch of this year's Bromyard in Bloom in The Square and a 'parade of the giants' through the town on Saturday afternoon.

"It was spectacular," said Mr Dauncey. "There were two 17-feet model giants, of a crier and his escort, one of which was made in Bromyard, they were amazing.

"We hope to make the parade a regular thing at the festival, so next time other people can bring carnival giants too."

Falcon Theatre group performed Chaucer's Nuns Priest Tale and the Pardoners Tale to audiences in the town and a craft fair was held in the Public Hall.

Mr Dauncey said he would like to thank to everyone involved.

"It was a brilliant event and we're already planning for next year," he said.