Oswestry has named its new town crier.

Phil Brown will take up the honorary role later this year after he was named the winner of a competition to return the office to the town for the first time in almost 30 years.

Video by Craig Colville

The 70-year-old who is originally from Preston, made his bid to become Oswestry's town crier on Wednesday when he took to the steps of The Cross and read his own proclamation out to passersby.

He also had a tough interview in front of town council officials, including the new Mayor, Councillor Sandy Best.

Phil told the Advertizer: "I enjoy dressing up and I've done a lot of amateur dramatics and pantos, but one problem I had was remembering my lines, but being a town crier you get a scroll with them written down for you.

"Today has been the culmination of a lot of preparation, but I really enjoyed it, it's been great.

"I'm feeling great and I haven't come down from the high of reading my proclamation out yet."

Phil said he received a lot of attention when he took to The Cross - but he had big shoes to fill with the town crier of Bridgnorth, John James, introducing him and the others who had applied for the post.

He continued: "It's not so much about how loud you are, it's about the pronunciation and much as anything. The temptation is to rush it, but you have to pronounce the words right.

"I had a lot of coaching from the town crier of Chester, David Mitchell, so I'm very grateful to him."

John, who has been town crier of Bridgnorth for 22 years, later gave a very special proclamation.

He added: "My only advice for Phil is to get on with people and be friendly.

"You also have to have a big voice and be extra-ordinary!"

But you'll have to wait a few weeks before you see Phil in action as the work now begins on his specially made robes - but the town council hopes he'll be ready in time for this year's Food and Drink Festival in July, as well as the Oswestry Balloon Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.