A town crier has shown his talents once again to retain top prize in a national competition.

Thetford and Brandon Town Crier Mike Wabe successfully defended his title at the Ely Town Crier Championship as part of the Eel Festival Weekend on Saturday.

And the 65-year-old came home with a clutch of prizes, winning best dressed, best themed cry, and overall winner.

The entrants were tasked with producing a 125-word cry on Shakespeare for the themed cry.

Mr Wabe impressed the crowd and judges with mentions of a string of the Bard's best known works in his cry.

He said he was delighted with the win.

'It was very nice to win again as I didn't think I was going to.

'There was a nice crowd there and I got some applause after my cries to I thought I might have a chance, but it was still very nice to win,' he said.

He will now continue working to organise a Junior Town Crier Competition for this summer's Thetford Festival.

Mr Wabe has been visiting schools in the Thetford area to drum up interest in the competition, and is encouraging entrants from age six to 14.

His visits have been 'positive', he said.

'The reception has been very good and we are hoping for a good turnout on the day.

'I think anyone taking part will get a lot out of it as it involves lots of different skills.

'There's the researching of a subject, writing the cry, and then there's the performance of the cry itself. It really helps them to build confidence, and it's fun,' he said.

Have you been successful at a competition? Let us know by emailing andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk