The Environment Agency, Marsworth Moat Angling Club and Littlemore Angling Society have joined forces to help boost fish stocks in Sunningwell Lake in Oxford, in a bid to get local children involved in fishing.

EA fisheries officers will be removing perch, roach and rudd from Marsworth Moat to help re-populate Sunningwell Lake and improve fishing generally.

Fisheries officer Jenni Balmer said: “The aim for lakes and ponds is to promote a balanced population of mixed fish species reflecting a healthy, sustainable environment.

"Following a thorough health check, small fish from Marsworth will be stocked into Sunningwell Lake to improve fishing for Littlemore Angling Society and local youth groups.

"The Littlemore club have agreed to allow Oxford’s angling development officer, Ian Horrocks, access to their water to teach local children fishing.

The EA, Active ten20 and Oxford City Council have jointly funded the venture.

Angling is still popular in this country with more than four million people over 12 years old in England and Wales going fishing last year, while £2.75 billion is spent each year on the sport.