TOWN crier Ros Charlton Chard gave a rousing demonstration of her vocal powers in Okehampton town centre on Wednesday last week.

The town crier for Okehampton and Hatherleigh was celebrating her return to the town crier competition circuit following a break due to ill-health.

Ros, who lives in Okehampton, recently joined town criers from around the world in competing in the 30th anniversary of the Sir Francis Drake Armada Cup.

The contest was held over three days at Overbeck’s near Salcombe, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth at the end of July.

Ros, competing as town crier for Hatherleigh Manor, won third place on the first day, held at National Trust property Overbeck’s near Salcombe.

She had to perform a ‘home cry’ about Hatherleigh, beginning with the traditional cry of ‘oyez, oyez, oyez’ and ending with ‘God Save the Queen’.

‘The cry is all about Hatherleigh, in just 120-125 words,’ she said. ‘It is judged on volume, diction and inflection.

‘It is a wonderful way of showing off your town.’