FISHING mad youngsters used their skills to reel in the prizes at an annual contest.

Cheshire Police teamed up with Connexions, Winsford Anglers and the Environment Agency to hold a series of fishing sessions for young people over the school holidays.

Children aged 9 to 15 took part in a competition to mark the final day of the sessions on Tuesday, August 24 at Winsford’s National Pool.

After a day spent on the waterfront, the catches were weighed and winners recorded before being thrown back into the pool.

PCSO Stuart Bradshaw said: “We started the fishing festival last year after young people in the town said there was nothing for them to do.

“Since then we have held various one day and weekly coaching sessions.

“Some of the young people who came last year have now taken up fishing as a hobby and this year brought even more of their friends.”

Everyone who took part in the event received a prize, from tackle boxes to reels and fishing bags, all donated by Winsford Anglers and the Environment Agency.

The top three anglers of the day were presented with a trophy and vouchers for an angling shop, with first prize going to Declan Lumsden, 14.

“Events like this give young people the chance to meet up with their friends in a safe place over the school holidays. It also helps us to improve the relationship between the police and young people.”