Introducing more youngsters to the world of angling

Pupils, from schools as far afield as Wakefield, Kent and West Dorset, joined those from Reading's John Madejski Academy and Theale Green School for a Fishing 4 Schools open day at Farlows Sportfish in Theale on 7 October.

Fishing 4 Schools is a project run by the Countryside Alliance, to introduce young people of all backgrounds and abilities to fishing as a part of their school studies.

The group of 30 young people at Theale got stuck in to an array of activities, all tied into the curriculum – including float making, fly tying, bug hunting (incorporating the Wild Trout Trust's 'Mayfly in the classroom' resource), casting, drop shooting and then they cooked and ate their catch.

Fishing 4 Schools director Charles Jardine, himself an international angler, said: "The F4S event at Sportfish at Theale was yet further confirmation that youngsters are enthralled by angling.

"We introduced them to as many facets as is possible, including the tiny, yet vital world of river insects and we all thoroughly enjoyed cooking and eating the catch with the team of exceptional aspiring young chefs from Wakefield. It was simply a fantastic day for young and old."