Big clean-up for young anglers

Eight enthusiastic young anglers have been commended for their hard work helping to clean up a Stafford housing estate and a stretch of canal.

The teenagers, from the Highfields area, took part in a fishing programme organised by Staffordshire County Council, which offers angling tuition in return for positive work in the community.

They performed a litter pick along the canal at Radford Bank, as well as one at West Way in Highfields, as part of the Casts programme, which is funded by the King Edward VI Community and Learning Partnership. Between them they filled nine bags of rubbish from West Way alone and now they have been given awards in recognition for their contribution to the community.

The angling course is part of a programme hosted by Casts and the Staffordshire Youth Service to encourage young people to do something positive in their community.

In return for the work youngsters received, in addition to the tuition, a fishing rod, keep net, rod rest and pole net, as well as a certificate from the angling course, a photo album, and a fishing permit. They were presented at a special ceremony at King Edward VI High School and have also received funding from Staffordshire County Council's Youth Bank fund in order to further their interests in angling and go on more fishing trips.

County Councillor Michael Poulter, local member for Stafford West, said: "I think it's fantastic that these young people have taken on such a worthwhile project.

"Not only have they gained a knowledge of fishing skills, they have also learnt how to take care of the environment, take pride in their surroundings and work as a team.

"I really hope they continue their good work and continue to set an example to others," added Councillor Poulter.