TEENAGE fishing ace James Allen had the Christmas present to beat them all on Sunday when he saw off some of the best local anglers in the business to land first prize in an open competition at Cannop ponds.

The Lydney Angling Club youngster landed the fish of the day - a bream weighing 4lbs 8ozs - to take top spot.

He was closely followed by Keith Griffiths who weighed in 4lbs 4ozs and Graham Andrew who caught bream weighing a total of 3lbs 7ozs.

"Well done to James, he fished well in difficult circumstances," said Yorkley AC official Terry McKenzie. "The water was very high but the fish were spread around the lake and everyone caught," he said.

The attention of many local anglers is now turning to pike fishing and Cannop's growing reputation has been enhanced by a recent catch of three double figure fish in one session.

"With the Wye in flood, Cannop is attracting plenty of interest . There are plenty of big fish both in Cannop and Speech House Lake," said Terry.

Fishermen can purchase day tickets from Forest Tackle at Lydney, Wye Angling at Ross, or Cinderford Angling. Alternatively they can be obtained from the bailiff on the bank.