Three town criers from Sussex scooped up awards as the 71st  National Town Criers Championships moved to a new location.

The championships have been held in Hastings since 1952 but took place for the first time in the Gun Gardens in Rye on October 12. Rye Town Council offered to host the event after Hastings Borough Council announced they could no longer afford to do so.

Unlike other town crier contests, which tend to be guild-specific, the competition is open to all. Thirteen criers competed at the event and three from Sussex went home with prizes: Jon Bartholomew from Bexhill scooped third prize, Jane Louise Smith from Bognor Regis was named as Best Dressed Crier and Jon Borthwick from Lewes won Judges Choice Award.

The championships were held in the Gun Gardens in Rye for the first time The championships were held in the Gun Gardens in Rye for the first time (Image: KT Bruce) It was the 35th year that veteran Seaford town crier Peter White has competed.

Competitors are judged on their volume, clarity, diction and inflection and required to do two cries: a home cry promoting their town and a second cry reflecting a theme. This year’s theme was “tradition”.

Jon Borthwick, who goes by the moniker Shoutyman, has been town crier for Lewes and Peacehaven for 14 years. He said: “I love connecting with the community and it’s lovely to bring the positive and celebrate kind hearts.

Jon Borthwick won Judges Choice Award for the second year in a rowJon Borthwick won Judges Choice Award for the second year in a row (Image: KT Bruce) “My home cry was about Lewes’ three ‘Bs’: bonfire, battle and beer. The Battle of Lewes brought out the founding of the modern parliament. Lewes does daytime drinking very well – we will take any excuse to hold an event to accommodate that.

“For the second cry people spoke about volunteers, poppy collecting etc. Mine was about Lewes’ pea-throwing competition.

“I love talking about the quirks and perks of this fine town.”

Jane Smith (second in from left) was named Best DressedJane Smith (second in from left) was named Best Dressed (Image: KT Bruce) Jane Smith became town crier back in 2017 after she decided she wanted to help “put Bognor Regis back on the map”.

Keen seamstress and former bespoke handbag maker, Jane makes her own award-winning outfits, known as “livery”. From gloves to ruffles, buttons to britches - the devil is in the detail.

She said: “I won the tender from the town council to make the outfit for whoever the town crier might be. It became apparent during the process that I should throw my hat into the ring - and here I am.”