Children took part in a fun family fishing day at Orchard Lake in Melbourn to introduce young people to angling.

Clive Marriott, from Eternit Angling Club in Royston, organised the free fishing day on Saturday, August 10, with children age six to 16 taking part.

The angling club has more than 200 members, along with a small number of young anglers who attend with their parents.

Young anglers at the family fishing dayYoung anglers at the family fishing day (Image: Eternit Angling Club)

Clive joined the club after moving to the area from Rugby, and has been fishing for more than 50 years.

He said: "In one meeting it was discussed about holding an open day for youngsters who might like to try their hand at fishing with the help of experienced club members, as it's the sort of pastime that you can only get into if you know someone that has the knowledge of how to fish."

There was a "massive amount" of interest from children and their families, and the lake was closed to everyone except the club to accommodate all the helpers and parents.

Young people had a go at fishing with help from club membersYoung people had a go at fishing with help from club members (Image: Eternit Angling Club)

Each child who took part received fishing equipment to take home with them, as well as a medal and certificate for taking part.

The club also provided a free barbecue with burgers, hot dogs, crisps and drinks.

Clive said: "On the day the fishing gods and the weather were on our side as every child caught fish ranging from carp to barbel, roach, perch and skimmer bream.

A young angler with his fishA young angler with his fish (Image: Eternit Angling Club)

"All in all it was a fantastic event as every child had very big smiles on their faces catching lots of fish.

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"Every single parent and child told us just how much they had enjoyed the day and are hoping we can make space for more members so they can carry on with their newfound interest.

"I would like to add a huge thank you to all the people that helped on the day to make it a day to remember for all and to the club for its donations for the event making it a free day out.

Due to the event's popularity, the club intends to hold it again next year during the summer holidays.

Children aged six to 16 took part in the fishingChildren aged six to 16 took part in the fishing (Image: Eternit Angling Club)