A RECORD-breaking town crier is celebrating winning three prestigious trophies in one weekend after competing against criers from across the world.

Helmsley town crier David Hinde was one of dozens competing for individual cups at Salcombe, Kingsbridge and The Peter Randall Memorial Trophy at Dartmouth, as well as the coveted Sir Francis Drake Armada Cup, awarded to the overall winner of the three competitions.

Despite competing in the pouring rain for the first two days, and tight scoring requiring a ‘cry-off’ to reveal the winner on the final sunny day at Dartmouth, Mr Hinde, who became Helmsley’s official town crier last year, won both the Kingsbridge and Dartmouth events, before scooping the Sir Francis Drake Armada Cup, for the best performance over all three events.

He also placed second in the Salcombe competition held in torrential rain at Overbecks National Trust property on the first day.

At the competition, a fabulously dressed armada of criers, including a 6ft 7in tall Bermudan Town Crier, were joined by elegant consorts also dressed in their finery.

Criers were judged on the accuracy, intonation, clarity diction and volume of their cry by a panel of judges

Mr Hinde, whose cries can hit an officially record-breaking volume of 114.8dB also holds the accolade of being Walmington-on-Sea’s town crier, leading the grand parade in the 2016 Universal Pictures movie Dad’s Army.

He said he was “so proud” to have brought home Helmsley’s first ever Town Crier silverware.

He added: “We have certainly ensured that Helmsley will be talked about across the country, as news of this achievement spreads, hopefully bringing with it more people to visit the wonderful town.”