FAMILIES can discover how fishing can help to improve your health and wellbeing.

Free angling taster sessions are being held in Middlewich and Northwich.

Children can have a go during half term.

The Canal & River Trust and Angling Trust are holding almost 300 special Let’s Fish! events throughout the county in October encouraging families to have a go at fishing on their local canal.

It's all been made possible thanks to players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

The sessions encourage people to get outdoors and experience the peaceful family time offered by fishing.

Visitors to the events are taught the basics of fishing by a professional angling coach and get the opportunity to learn about the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers.

All tackle and bait as well as a rod licence and fishing permit is provided for free on the day meaning people can just turn up and have a go.

John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Research tells us that just spending time by the water is good for our health and wellbeing but fishing is particularly good at helping us to feel happier and healthier.

“We want more people to feel those benefits for themselves and, thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve held almost 300 Let’s Fish! events across the country this year.

"These events have given around 8,500 people the chance to have a go at fishing – many for the first time – and to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being by water.

“The events coming up over half-term in Cheshire are a great opportunity to enjoy some quality family time and give the kids a chance to catch their very first fish. It’s a great way for people to discover the amazing waterways that are right on their doorstep and available for everybody to enjoy.”

Free Let's Fish taster sessions will be held on the Middlewich branch of Shropshire Union Canal on Tetton Lane on Saturday, October 26 and Thursday, October 31, from 10am to 4.30pm.

In Northwich, a session takes place at Anderton Boat Lift on Wednesday, October 30, from 10am to 4.30pm.

Sanjay Singh, senior manager of environment at People’s Postcode Lottery said “Our players have supported many initiatives by Canal and River Trust since 2012 and Let’s Fish is another wonderful event to engage the local communities of Cheshire whilst encouraging families to spend some quality time together learning a new skill.

"It’s great for everybody, no matter your background to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of doing something outdoors in your local area.”

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The Canal & River Trust’s waterways are home to millions of fish including around 40 different species.

The charity is the single largest owner of coarse fishing rights in England and Wales with over 2,000 miles of waterways and over 70 feeder reservoirs. It is estimated that it would cost £40 million to replace all the Trust’s fish stock.

Families can just turn up for the frees sessions but to be sure of your place it's best to book in advance at canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish.

To find a Let’s Fish! taster session near you visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish.