Fishing 4 Schools programme welcomes its 2014 champions to the House of Commons

Twenty-eight keen young fishing fans from around the country were celebrated yesterday (27 October 2014) at the Fishing 4 Schools project's Champions Awards at the House of Commons.

Fishing 4 Schools is an educational campaign run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation, the charitable arm of the Countryside Alliance. It provides short angling courses at schools across the country, aimed at 14 to18-year-olds who might not respond to traditional classroom-based learning but flourish when you get them outside onto the water.

Each school involved in the scheme nominated the pupil, or in some cases pupils, who gained most from the scheme in the past year and they each received a Fishing 4 Schools medal and certificate.

The event was attended by Fisheries Minister George Eustice who said: "The Fishing 4 Schools programme is a great way to introduce young people to the benefits of angling - a sport loved by millions of people in the UK which contributes a huge amount to our rural economy and the environment.

"It was wonderful to hear from this year's champions who as the next generation of anglers have been out enjoying our beautiful waters."

Also in attendance were many MPs from around the country, to congratulate the children from their constituencies.

Director of Fishing 4 Schools, Charles Jardine said: "These youngsters are a tremendous example of what can be achieved through the Fishing 4 Schools courses. Children love fishing, the most introverted child can come alive on the water – it really is amazing what Fishing 4 Schools can achieve.

"The awards were a great success and we were delighted that so many MPs came along to cheer on their local champions."

For more information, contact Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 0207 8409220 and 07500 834163 or email [email protected]

Note for journalists
• Find out more about Fishing 4 Schools at http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-fishing
• Image shows the Fishing 4 Schools Champions with Countryside Alliance chairman, Kate Hoey MP

The Fishing 4 Schools champions of 2014 are:
Oliver Hammond, Abbey College, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire
Trafford Cooper, Bridgwater Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset
Joe Hunt, Brislington Enterprise College, Bristol
Amy Silk and Lorna Bishop, Canon's House, Devizes, Wiltshire
Jade Drury, Cathedral School, Wakefield
Thomas Tancock, Elmwood School, Bridgwater, Somerset
Harrison French, Forge Valley School, Sheffield
Declan Moses, Honley High School, Holmfirth
James Howland, Merchants Academy, Bristol
Jack Morgan, Morriston Comprehensive School, Swansea
Thomas Moule, Newman School, Rotherham
Robert Neary, Park House School, Newbury
Michael Gibney of Rhyl High School, Denbighshire
Alexander Davies and Demi Smith, Robert Napier School, Gillingham
Jamie Gaughan of Romsey School, Greatbridge, Romsey, Hants
Nathan Alexander, Gunnhild Kjeld and Poppy Wilson of the Grange School. Christchurch, Dorset
Hannah Griffin, Three Ways School, Bath
Kieran Kaliq, University Academy, Keighley, West Yorkshire
Josh Good and Jordan Greves of Willows High School, Cardiff
Darren Owens, Woodham Academy, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham
Dylan Walsh of Yewstock School, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Tylor Faulkner and Lewis Lazenby of York High School, York