Shouting out success!

Our charismatic Town Crier, Laurie Gilbert, struck gold twice last week at an international competition for Town Criers in Peterborough.

Laurie's costume, funded by Batley and Dewsbury Area Committees, won him the Best Dressed Crier award.

He also picked up a gong for ‘Best Cry Content' for his cry about the town which included the lines –

"Where, was your bed made?

Could it be Batley or Dewsbury?

Batley variety club! Venue of international legends!

Thirty-six bed manufacturers in the mile between these two towns in West Yorkshire

Dewsbury, the town that introduced seaside rock, lettered all the way through.

Dewsbury voted the best market in the country."

The competition, held at Market Deeping on 20th April to celebrate St George's day, drew Criers from across Britain and abroad – one from as far away as Canada.

Laurie said "I was extremely proud to represent Batley and Dewsbury at this event and am delighted to receive these awards."

Town Centre Manager Andrew Sloman said "Laurie is a fantastic ambassador for Batley and Dewsbury – he does us proud and I'm sure he will win many many more competitions by promoting a positive image of the towns and their people"