THOUSANDS of young fish have been released into North East stillwaters to give stocks a boost.

More than 11,000 roach, bream, tench, crucian carp and rudd were released by The Environment Agency across County Durham and Northumberland– including Greencoft Pond, near Annfield Plain, and Wellfield Lake, near Wingate.

All the fish were reared at the Environment Agency’s fish farm near Calverton, Nottinghamshire, using funding from rod licence sales.

The work is part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing plan to develop and restore rivers and fisheries in the region, to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy angling.

Paul Frear, fisheries officers for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “Restocking is one of many things we do together with our partners to develop fisheries, including reducing the impact of pollution, improving habitats and removing barriers to fish migration.

“This week we’ve been releasing coarse fish into stillwaters with the help of local angling clubs to help encourage members and those new to angling to get involved in what is a great pastime for people of all ages.”

Waterways are restocked annually, targeting areas identified as having poor breeding and survival rates.