week's European Championships for Town Criers held in the town of Tavistock, England.

"I am very, very pleased that I placed in the top three,'' he said.

Fifty other town criers joined Mr. Jones, including Hamilton Town Crier Ed Christopher, who did not secure positioning but still has two competitions remaining.

Mr. Jones added: "Ed Christopher is also doing well.

"It was a splendid time had by all.'' He noted that the Town Crier of Lyme Regis, Phil Street, had placed third.

Mr. Jones and Mr. Christopher are now preparing for the Commonwealth Championships in which Mr. Jones is the defending champion and looking to three-peat after winning in 1998 and 1999.

E. Michael Jones