East Yorkshire town crier best in Britain (From York Press)

East Yorkshire town crier Michael Wood named best in Britain

8:07am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News

 A TOWN crier from East Yorkshire has been named the best in Britain – and the best-dressed.

County crier Michael Wood took part in the Diamond Jubilee British Town Crier Championships in Hebden Bridge over the Bank Holiday weekend, where participants gave their “home” cry to sing the praises of their own area.

Michael’s efforts saw him mention how East Yorkshire is the “chosen county” of artist David Hockney, “where one can walk our wonderful Wolds or hike our heritage coastline to discover rustic villages, bustling market towns and sexy seaside resorts”.

The second round allowed competitors to give a cry about a memorable event in the last 60 years, with Michael choosing the day he won tickets to be a member of the audience at the Diamond Jubilee Picnic and Concert at Buckingham Palace.

After scooping both awards, Michael said: “I greatly value the appointment and I love the variety of work it brings, but it’s meeting people I mostly enjoy – I guess by now you could say I have become a face which rings a bell.”

East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “Michael, with his unique skills, has helped raise the county’s profile for the last 15 years and is always a valuable and popular addition to any event, civic and social.”