O'yez! O'yez! O'yez! The winner of the Bermuda 400th Anniversary Invitational Town Crier Competition is Richard Riddell.

The American, from Washington state, impressed with his "clarity, diction and volume", according to Hamilton town crier Ed Christopher.

Mr. Christopher and St. George's town crier David Frith hosted the competition to commemorate Bermuda's 400th Anniversary of Permanent Settlement.

And the 12 competitors from the US, Canada and England certainly looked the part, dressing in period costume from days gone by.

Local Bermudian judges of the contest were picked for their expertise in the world of theatre, tourism and literature.

As the overall winner, Mr. Riddell was presented with a glass bell with tall ship insignia. There were also individual winners during the three-day contest.

In the Somers Cup Mr. Riddell placed first, with Daniel Richer dit La Flèche, from Quebec, Canada, second, and Phillip Street from Dorset, England, in third place.

In the Hamilton Cup Bill McKee of Ontario, Canada, was the winner, followed by Mr. Riddell in second place and Roger Pinder of Devon, England, in third place.

The St. George's Town Hall Cup was won by Mr. Street, followed by Mr. Riddell and then Mr. Pinder and Mr. McKee tying for third place.

"Mr. Riddell got high marks in clarity, diction and volume, which were sustained across the three days of the competition. It carried throughout," said Mr. Christopher.

"This was the third competition we've held in Bermuda (the last one was in 2004) and it has improved each time. This one was very well attended and I think the participants really enjoyed it."