A YEAR on from successfully obtaining a license to fish Kentmere Tarn, Staveley Anglers Association are looking to introduce young people to fly fishing.

Since they were granted access to the famously beautiful tarn, the Association has seen a dramatic increase in its membership and finances, with people from as far away as Oxford becoming members.

The Association now hope to boost that further with a grant from the parish council, which will enable them to teach youngsters how to fly fish, and in doing so, get more adults involved as well.

Chairman Phil Evans said: "We want to get people out and appreciating the environment, rather than staying inside with computers and TV. It is better to get out into nature.

"We want it to be cross-generational. The kids can bring their families and friends, and they might want to try it as well.

"The grant is for boys and girls between the ages of nine and 13.

"We want to try and get girls involved as well. A lot of the fly fishing world records are held by women.

"This year we are putting 300 fish into Kentmere and the River Kent. 200 will go into Kentmere, and we have been given £100 to spend on trout weighing up to five pounds. 100 fish will be added to the River Kent.

"There are children already involved and they enjoy it. Approximately 10 per cent of our members are juniors and we want that to increase.

"Fly fishing is different to float fishing. With float fishing you are just sitting there waiting for the float to bob, but with fly fishing you are always moving up the river and doing something."

The grant will award the Association with £3500, which they will spend on the equipment and training for people. All the training will be free to members.

Staveley Angling Association is already involved with children, and at their annual meeting presented five-year-old Jack Alexander, of Staveley, with their junior prize after he caught a two pound four ounce brown trout.