THE FAMILY of a keen fisherman who spent many happy hours casting his line at Bradshaw Hall Fisheries, in Slack Lane, Bradshaw, have donated a trophy in his memory.

And 50 youngsters, aged 16 and under, took part in the first competition to decide who would hold The Ken Poulton Memorial Trophy.

Sixteen-year-old James Penny, from Atherton, was declared the winner after landing an impressive 170lb catch.

The Poulton family have also donated a further £1,000 through fundraising towards the fisheries' new lake which has been designed to allow unaided wheelchair users to fish there.

Co-owner John Kelly said: "Ken was a regular customer for many years. He loved his fishing and he'd be here in all weathers.

"His family wanted to dedicate a trophy in his memory and it's a way of encouraging youngsters in the sport.

"James's catch was mostly carp and was the heaviest of the day."

Work is well underway on the fisheries' new lake with the first liune expected to be cast next Easter.

The new facility is likely to be the largest of its kind in Europe and should attract national and international competitions for disabled anglers.

They already use Bradshaw Hall Fisheries, which currently has seven lakes, but they are unable to fish unaided because of access difficulties and lack of space.