Big-fish specialist Andy Webber, 48, has been appointed the Oxford Mail's new angling correspondent.

He takes over from the legendary Peter Stone, who died last November at the age of 73, after 28 years as the Mail's angling expert.

Andy Webber

Andy, a shift operating technician at Didcot B Power Station, has lived in Oxford for more than 20 years and is a former member of the Bicester and West Oxford match fishing teams.

He now concentrates on specimen hunting and has many big fish to his name, including barbel to 12lb 12oz, tench to 9.3.0 and chub to 5.3.0.

Andy is a member of the Barbel Society and is a keen student of the environment.

He said: "No-one can replace Peter, who was unique, and I feel honoured to be following in his footsteps."

Clubs and anglers with any angling news can contact Andy by telephone on 01865 725606 (evenings) or via e-mail at ag@webber36.fsnet.co.uk