BRIAN Harding and Brian Andrews have a lot in common. Not only do they share the same christian names, they live next door to each other, have a passion for angling, were drawn next to each other in a major fishing competition on Sunday – and ended up in first and second places!

The competition, held at Cannop number one lake, was Yorkley Angling Club's annual Forest of Dean Stone Firm's Challenge Cup, one of the biggest events in the local fishing calendar.

"The pond fished very well and there were some good weights," said Yorkley official Terry McKenzie.

However, at the end of the five hour marathon it was Broadwell neighbours Brian Harding and Brian Andrews who stole the show.

Brian Harding fished using a pole with pellets as bait to land the winning weight of 19lbs 7ozs, all bream. Next door neighbour and good mate Brian Andrews used a feeder rod and red maggots as bait to land bream which weighed in at 17lbs 8ozs.

The winner picked up £220 in cash and the runner-up £130.

The prizes were distributed throughout the Forest, with Lydney's Paul Grindle in third place with three tench and some small bream for 14lbs 2ozs, and Mark Annis, of Cinderford, in fourth place with 14lbs exactly. Paul picked up £90 and Mark, £60.