TOWN crying has become such a massive part of Liz Woolnough's life that it played a major part in a very special occasion - her wedding.

Big-voiced Liz, who is Barnoldswick's town crier, tied the knot with partner Samuel Mowe, at Skipton Register Office, on Friday.

Samuel's best man, John Robinson, is also a town crier, while the Great Bar Bellman of town criers Cyril Richardson, of Walsall, gave a reading.

The winner of last year's International Barnoldswick Bellman Competition, which Liz organises, Holland's Renè Coupee, also attended.

And Liz chose this year's competition, held in the town on Saturday, to share her joy with some other fine voices.

She said: "The last four years I have been town crying has been a fantastic part of our lives.

"Samuel and I have been together for two years and he knew about it from very early on and he loves it. He has enjoyed every minute."

Despite arranging her wedding moving to Yorkshire to take up a teaching post, Liz still managed to pull off what has been hailed as a fantastic event'.

Wearing her wedding dress and accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter and bridesmaid Hazel, Liz, who is still continuing as Barnoldswick Town Crier, hosted the competition, which saw 14 town criers from across Europe go head-to-head.

Dutchman Renè took top spot once again, winning the Barlick Bellman Trophy, with Staffordshire's Peter Taunton coming second.

People's Choice winner was Peter's wife and consort Maureen, who also won best-dressed town crier.

A junior competition also took place and the youngest entrant, Thomas Wilkinson, who is just four and from the town, came third.

Barnoldswick town centre councillor Jenny Purcell said Liz had organised a fantastic event, which was really putting Barnoldswick on the map.

She said: "It was a magnificent turnout with all the colours of the costumes and the criers made their performances humorous "Liz did a magnificent job. She is a true ambassador for Barnol-dswick."