YOUNG anglers from around the region have been showing off their skills in a series of matches over the summer.

Five junior matches across several lakes, pools and rivers were organised by Winsford and District Angling Association and Middlewich Joint Anglers in two age groups – 13-17 years and 12 years and under.

Four out of the five matches were won by Shaun Harris, who secured first place in the older age group after an impressive display.

Among his catches was a specimen break weight 7lbs 8ozs in the first match at New Pool.

Max Reid remained in close contention throughout the series and eventually finished in second place.

Northwich Guardian: Max Reid's impressive catchMax Reid's impressive catch (Image: Max Reid's impressive catch)

Aidan Foster, who finished third overall and also picked up a special award for his care for the environment after picking up any litter he encountered, had a particularly memorable evening at Tetton Lake where he caught his biggest ever fish – a 3lbs tench.

Northwich Guardian: Aidan Foster's 3lbs tenchAidan Foster's 3lbs tench (Image: Aidan Foster's 3lbs tench)

Dominic Griffin secured first place in the younger age group with a number of impressive catches, including two large carp during a match at The Ocean.

Northwich Guardian: Dominic Griffin with the carp he caught at The OceanDominic Griffin with the carp he caught at The Ocean (Image: Dominic Griffin with the carp he caught at The Ocean)

Another highlight of the junior competition was the display of seven-year-old Rocco Smith in the final match of the series.

Minutes before the match was due to end, Rocco landed an impressive 4lbs bream to secure a convincing win.

Northwich Guardian: Rocco Smith with his impressive bream catchRocco Smith with his impressive bream catch (Image: Rocco Smith with his impressive bream catch)

Full results (ages in brackets):

13-17 years:

1, Shaun Smith (15) 44 points; 2, Max Reid (14) 40 points; 3, Aidan Foster (15) 24 points; 4=, Matty Banks (16), Max Beech (14) 18 points; 6, Micah Backhouse (14) 16 points; 7=, Charlie Parkinson (13), Sam Thomson (16) 14 points; 9, Kasper Machnik (14) 6 points; 10, Alex-Jay Senior (14) 2 points

12 and under:

1, Dominic Griffin (12) 36 points; 2, Charlie Mitchell (12) 26 points; 3=, Eric Forbes (12), Jack Fray (11), Rocco Smith (7) 10 points; 6, Reece Porter 8 points; 7, Tristan Smith 4 points; 8, Bailey Saunders, 2 points