A SCHEME to encourage youngsters' fishing skills and provide the opportunity for match situations is being launched by qualified professional angling coach Dave Roberts next week.

Roberts, who runs Herefordshire Angling Academy, is joining forces with Hereford Junior Angling Club, which was set up by Hereford and District AA and run by John Pembridge.

They plan to run a number of events throughout the year involving structured coaching on the River Wye as well as numerous contests. A five-match junior angling league is planned for February next year.

All would be available free of charge to Hereford members, while newcomers can join the club for £8 per annum.

An open evening is being held for youngsters and parents at Hereford Rowing Club next Monday, July 18, at 7pm, to outline the plans and dates involved.

n Colin Poole won Hereford Fly Fishing Club's senior competition at their trout fishery at Wellington.

Twenty-nine anglers caught 40 fish which each averaged 2lb 2oz.

Results (four-rod limit): 1 Colin Poole 9-12, 2 Shaun Watkins 9-3, 3 Peter Norman 8-15, Colin Lewis 8-3.