Looking good helped St. George's town crier E. Michael Jones secure a few awards and trophies in the annual town criers competitions held in England last month.

Mr. Jones, defending his titles, won the best dressed categories in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. He also kept his Commonwealth Cup and Best Overall.

He placed fifth in the Kingsbridge crying competition and was the first runner up in the Armada Cup -- a combination of all the disciplines.

Admitting apprehension in returning to defend his titles this year, Mr. Jones yesterday told The Royal Gazette : "I am very pleased with the awards and feel very lucky with my placings.'' Calling on his twin city of Lyme Regis, Mr. Jones met up with former town crier in that city -- Richard Fox. Mr. Fox, chairman of the committee responsible for the twinning of the two cities, escorted Mr. Jones to Plymouth where he said the real highlight of his visit took place.

"I met with the mayor for about an hour and a half and I read a proclamation on the Barbican,'' Mr. Jones said. "It was also the fortieth anniversary of a plaque commemorating the bond between Bermuda and Plymouth.

"To my surprise there was a huge bronze plaque in the town centre, about three feet by four feet, donated by the people of Bermuda and it was its fortieth anniversary.

"I thought it was most appropriate I delivered the proclamation.'' In April 2000, St. George's will play host to an International town criers competition. Mr. Jones revealed that the recent trip gave him an opportunity to learn some behind the scenes details.

Mr. Jones may broaden that knowledge even further when he travels to Canada on Thursday. He will be competing next week in the World Championships in Victoria, British Columbia.