YOUNG people are being encouraged to take up fishing thanks to angling coaching on offer in Spennymoor this summer.

Ferryhill and District Angling Club have teamed up with the Wear Rivers Trust to put on an event at Whitworth Hall, on Saturday, August 23.

Coaching sessions on Shafto’s Lake will teach the fundamentals of coarse fishing with roach, carp, bream and perch all possible catches.

It will be one of a number of activities on offer from 10.30am at the Whitworth family fun day.

Jim Wood, of Ferryhill and District Angling Club, said they hope to provide children with an opportunity that is not normally on offer to them.

He said: “Fishing offers something for everybody, it’s a great way to meet nature, enjoy the great outdoors, to share with parents, family and friends, it’s active and you see and experience much more than sitting in front of a TV screen.

“However, to be able to start the young need to know the basic techniques.”

This event is part of a wider effort of the angling clubs in County Durham and the Wear Rivers Trust to engage young people in the sport of angling, and encourage them to take an interest in their water environment.

All the fishing activities will be free after event entry, which costs £1 per person and the money will go to Grace House Children’s Charity.

The event will also include music, ice skating, bouncy castle, a bungee run and falconry displays.

For more details, call Mr Wood on 07931-348022.