HELMSLEY’S record-breaking town crier David Hinde is celebrating winning three prestigious Town Crier trophies in one weekend.

Criers from across the world competed in South Devon 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.

David, 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 was also second in the Salcombe competition.

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

David said: “I’m so proud to have brought home Helmsley’s first-ever Town Crier trophy - in fact four trophies in all. I shall be arranging for some of the trophies to be displayed in the town for all to see.

“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.

“If the nation didn’t know Helmsley had an award-winning town crier before, they certainly do now. ”

Jane Buckle, from Helmsley in Business, added: “We are absolutely delighted that David has won these competitions, although not in the least bit surprised as we know how good he is.

“It’s only right that an award-winning town has an award-winning town crier, and the trophies we’ll now have on display thanks to David prove exactly that.

“It’s also wonderful to think that people up and down the country are hearing all about our lovely town through David’s interesting cries. Maybe we’ll be getting an influx of visitors from Devon soon.”