GRASSINGTON'S first ever town crier was named 'best-dressed crier' at a national competition held in Ilkley.

Bob Kendall, vice chair of Grassington Parish Council, and a member of Grassington Players, was appointed the town's first crier last year - specifically to proclaim the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth.

At his first competition, Bob, who is a member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers and also of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, was delighted to win the 'best-dressed' category - and has put it all down to the hard work of volunteers who made the uniform - known as 'rig'.

The competition, held on May 13 in Ilkley, was organised by Ilkley's town crier, Isabel Ashman, and the BID team, and involved 17 town criers from across the UK. First prize went to Paul Gough, of Nuneaton in Warwickshire, and second was David Hinde of Helmsley.

Bob said: "My uniform or ‘rig’ was made by many ladies and volunteers in the village, assisted by very generous donations. But the greatest gift was the precious time given by all the volunteers in completing their exacting tasks. I was proud and privileged to be able to wear their creation and bring home a prize."