Free coaching for young anglers at Ribble Link

Young people in Preston are to be offered the chance to take up angling with a series of free coaching sessions and competitions. The Environment Agency (EA) has teamed up with British Waterways and Lancashire Constabulary to host the sessions, which will run each week throughout June on the Lancaster Canal at Ingol. Each Monday from 9 June, young anglers are invited to meet at the new Ribble Link footbridge in Ingol for an angling competition, with trophies and prizes for the winners. Youngsters new to the sport can have free tuition, with equipment provided. Martin James, EA recreation officer who has organised the events, said: "Angling is a terrific sport. We want to give more youngsters the chance to learn about it and how to enjoy it. Summer fishing sessions like these are an ideal way for children to get an introduction to the sport, and after that some of them may take it up and become regular anglers for years to come." Youngsters, aged 16 and under, who want to take part in the EA's angling sessions should meet at the footbridge, off Tom Benson Way, at 17.45 each Monday. Fishing will take place between 18.30 and 20.30pm. Children aged under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details contact Martin James at the EA on 01772 339882.