From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 03, 2008

IF you have never fished before and would like to learn the basics, or are a beginner and would like to improve your skills then the Grand Western Canal is the place to be on Sunday 13 July.

The Environment Agency, the Tiverton and District Angling Club and the Grand Western Canal Ranger Service have teamed up to organise another 'Have a go fishing' day, building on the success of a similar event last year. The event will take place in the canal basin from 10.30am to 4pm.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to try their hand at fishing, and there could be no better location to spend a day than the beautiful surroundings of the Grand Western Canal."

The Environment Agency's trained fishing coaches and members of the local fishing club will be on hand to provide expert advice and tuition. Fishing tackle will be available to borrow for free and free bait will also be provided.

Councillor Des Hannon, Devon County Councillor for Tiverton East and Vice Chairman of the Canal's Joint Advisory Committee, said: "Our canal's in the best condition for 150 years and the angling club is thriving, so come on, sling your hook!"

Councillor Paul Williams, Mid Devon District Councillor and Chairman of the Canal's Joint Advisory Committee, said: "Fill up your tank with peace and quiet and recharge your batteries on the beautiful Grand Western Canal."

Councillor Ray Radford, Devon County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said: "What a wonderful way to have a go at fishing for free, to see if you like it before you get any expensive kit. Not only that, you will also enjoy wonderful countryside and relaxation."

The event is open to all ages and an EA rod licence is not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Coaching sessions can be pre-booked by calling 01392 316032, or you can just turn up on the day.

A fantastic new addition to this year's event will be the High Tech Wild Trek roadshow. This attraction features a trailer with video equipment linked to microscopes and computer, to display and record the full range of plant and animal life. Video tape, DVD, digitised images and colour print-outs can all be produced instantly. Nets, trays and pots are provided and the on-board biologist is on hand to help with capturing and identifying wildlife. The large screen display makes monsters out of your mini-beasts.

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Canal Manager, Mark Baker - 07967 467601

EA Fisheries Technical Officer, Diane Holland - 01392 316032, or

Tiverton District Angling Club Chairman, Malcolm Trump - 07764 150707.

Mark Baker has a number of images of angling on the canal available on request.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384

Councillor Des Hannon, 01884 253627

Councillor Paul Williams, 01884 251994

Councillor Ray Radford, 01884 820000.