SOME of the country's leading anglers have competed at the country's biggest angling tournament.

The English River National Fly Fishing Championships took place on the River Wear, near Bishop Auckland, for the second successive year. Davy Parker, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, won.

Other local anglers, such as Paul Davison from Ponteland, near Newcastle, and Simon Robinson from Whickham, Gateshead, were also among the 32 competitors.

Willington, Ferryhill and Bishop Auckland angling clubs jointly staged the event.

Stuart Wardle, chairman of the Confederation of English Fly Fishers, said it had gone well. He said: "The conditions were quite difficult, with high water levels so it was a good test of skill."

Mr Wardle praised the organisers, especially Peter Godfrey, and said next year's International Fly Fishing Championship may be held on the River Wear.