Birmingham can boast the world carp champions after Brummie rods George Csonka and John Roberts took an impressive 19-fish haul in the World Carp Classic fished at France’s massive Lac de Madine.

The pair pocketed the £10,000 winner’s cheque over six days of competition that saw them weigh in nearly 480lb of carp. George (47) was forced to do most of the legwork after his 55-year-old partner hurt his back early in the competition and could hardly move. The 260-angler event attracted competitors from 29 countries and saw over 4,500lb of carp to over 60lb brought to the bank. It will be back on Lac de Madine in 2011.