For its part, the Agency is undertaking to supply used equipment anglers no longer need to youngsters, so they can get involved in the sport.

Environment Agency fisheries officer Andy Roberts says: “The Agency is running a programme of events to introduce more people to angling.

“We have received enquiries from a number of regular anglers asking if they could donate unwanted fishing tackle to young people taking up the sport.

“At recent coaching events a number of youngsters asked where they can go fishing and what equipment they need.

“Any tackle donated will be loaned to individuals to give them a start or given to angling clubs to provide a tackle bank for new, young members. “Being an angler myself, I have pieces of kit knocking around that I longer use and I am sure that this is the case with many other anglers,” he added. “Any tackle will do, from floats and unused line to rods and keepnets. This is a chance to put something back into angling.”

The tackle the Agency is looking for doesn’t have to be perfect but it needs to be in a useable condition. Anyone who would like to donate fishing tackle should contact Andy Roberts on 01743 283458.