AN angling society which is celebrating its 100th anniversary hopes to attract a new generation of fly fishers.

Upper Weardale Angling Association was launched in the County Durham dale during the First World War by locals with a passion for fishing and the outdoors.

However, membership has fallen to just 12 people in recent years and those that remain are keen to promote the delights of the sport, especially among the younger generation.

Chairman Herbert Lee joined the association in 1957, when he moved to Westgate from Teesdale.

He has been fishing the club’s stretch of the River Wear, from Cowshill to Westgate, ever since.

“I find it very relaxing,” he said. “It’s good to be out in the fresh air. We mainly fish for sea trout but you get brown trout here too.”

Secretary Tony Ward, who has been a member since the early 1960s, added: “Fly fishing on the River Wear is very challenging for the simple reason that we don’t cut down the trees or anything like that.

“We were told by the Brown Trout Association to provide as much cover as possible for the fish because there are a lot of predatory animals and birds.

“This means it is very challenging and rewarding for anglers. A young angler who learns to fish in Upper Weardale will be able to fish on any river.”

All of the fish caught by members of the Upper Weardale Angling Association are returned to the river, and the members have also been working with the Wear Rivers Trust and other charities to identify ways to protect habitats and improve the river environment.

A season ticket, from March to October, for Weardale residents costs £20 for adults and £10 for juniors aged 12 to 16.

For visitors to Upper Weardale, a seasonal permit for March 21 to August 31 costs £30 for adults and £15 for juniors. Weekly permits are also available priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. Daily permits cost £5 or £2.50 for juniors.

A visitor permit for September and October, when the fish population is at its highest, costs £30 for adults and £15 for juniors, with daily permits available priced at £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for juniors.

To find out more about Upper Weardale Angling Association, contact Mr Ward on 07789-630958