The first ever Match Fishing/ Shakespeare Veterans Championship for anglers over 60 on Wednesday August 22nd is heading for a sellout.

The competition is the brainchild of Match Fishing editor Dave Harrell who is delighted with the response. “It’s going to be a great day,” Dave said.

“We’ve got match legends from the past like Ken Giles, Pete Warren, Denis White and Don Slaymaker taking part in what I am sure will become a popular annual event. Many of the guys taking part were big personal heroes of mine when I was a teenager and it will be great to watch them in action again.

I had a walk along the match length last week and watched Ken Giles (pictured above), who is now 71 years old practising and catching well on the waggler. I’m sure its going to be a  keenly contested event and with a £500 top prize up for grabs, plus a place in the big Shakespeare Championship on Saturday its going to be a special day for someone!”

The draw takes place at 10am at Hampton Ferry with fishing from 12pm to 5pm and spectators are welcome.