FOR many years, the Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club has held free fishing taster days to introduce youngsters to the sport.

This year's event was organised and run by fully qualified coaches from Angling4acatch, led by Nick Oakley.

Sessions were held at the Royal Forest of Dean club's prolific Plump Hill pool. It proved the ideal choice as all of the 100 participating youngsters caught fish. One youngster caught 84 in a session, while the biggest catch was a superb 5lb carp.

Twenty of the youngsters subsequently joined the Forest of Dean Club.

Nick Oakley said: "It's always good to see so many new recruits coming along with their mums and dads, and it was very gratifying that their enjoyment convinced them to take out club membership."

The course coincided with National Fishing month and all the youngsters took home certificates and goodie bags.

They also got to see a kingfisher taking tiny fish in the reeds during the first three days.