The Angling Trust has marked its five year anniversary by appointing 25 new Ambassadors to help promote its work and to encourage more anglers to join its growing membership.  They will join the 40 Ambassadors appointed in 2012.

Among the new appointees are some keen anglers who are also household names such as ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman (pictured), sports promoter Barry Hearn and recent Environment & Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon MP.

Angling media stars Paul Young, Nigel Botherway and Gary Newman have also leant their support to the Trust, along with Team England Angling legend Tommy Pickering. 

A wide selection of specialist anglers who respectively fish mainly for salmon, carp, trout, roach, barbel, along with sea angler and journalist Barney Wright demonstrates that the Angling Trust is the single organisation that represents all forms of angling.  Importantly, the Trust has also invited some younger Ambassadors this year including YouTube sensations Carl & Alex Smith, along with fly angler Alex Jardine who joins his father Charles on the team.

Ian “Chilly” Chillcott, founder of the English Carp Heritage Organisation, is also on board, as are Sarah Collins the Chief Executive of Get Hooked on Fishing and disabled angler Andy Beadsley, Director of the Wheelyboat Trust. The Angling Trust works very closely with Sarah, Andy and many other great organisations to increase access to angling for young people and those with disabilities and to promote the many personal and social benefits of going fishing.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said: “We are all very grateful to these new Ambassadors for agreeing to help the Trust continue to grow and develop and we are privileged to be supported by such high profile anglers.  They reflect the immense diversity of the angling community, coming from all the many disciplines. We are delighted that Richard Benyon MP, who was the best Fisheries Minister anyone can remember, has agreed to support us and he has already helped us make anglers’ voices heard in the houses of parliament.  We hope that the appointment of these Ambassadors will encourage more anglers to join us and support the work of the Angling Trust and Fish Legal.  We have achieved a huge amount in the past 5 years, but we could achieve so much more in the next 5 years if we had another 10,000 members.”

Richard Benyon MP said: “I have seen at first hand how effectively the Angling Trust lobbies on behalf of angling and the environment. It is a respected player in the corridors of power because its arguments are evidence-based and coherent. There has never been a more important time for a strong voice for anglers and the rivers, lakes and seas where they fish. It is an honour to be an Ambassador for the Trust.”

Barry Hearn Chairman of the renowned Matchroom Sport organisation said: “I’m delighted to be an Ambassador of the Angling Trust. Both as an angler myself as well as the promoter of Britain’s biggest match – Fish’O’Mania – it’s a sport that has given me great pleasure on many levels and continues to do so. I believe that fishing can be a powerful force for good and the cornerstone of that is a strong and active governing body. From televised match fishing down to Sunday afternoon pleasure angling, it is a sport for everyone, with very few barriers. That is why the Angling Trust has my whole-hearted support.”

David Seaman, ex-England and Arsenal goalkeeper said: “Fishing is really important to me and I want to see it protected and promoted.  I can see that the future of fishing is in safe hands with the Angling Trust fighting our corner and I urge every serious angler to give them their support by becoming a member.”

Barney Wright, sea angling journalist said: “I am delighted to be asked to play part in the Angling Trust as an Ambassador. The message still needs to be broadcast to ALL anglers to join up and make our presence known with a unified voice. There’s much work to do, and I am going to do all I can to drive the sea side of the cause. A big voice heard in Brussels will carry enough weight to hopefully make a difference – but we must all play our part.”

Paul Young, actor, TV presenter and globe-trotting fly angler said: “I am proud to support the Angling Trust’s campaigns, and the unique work of the lawyers at Fish Legal, to protect fish and fishing from a wide range of threats.  It’s vital that anglers support their representative body by becoming a member for just £25 a year.”