A TEAM of master anglers raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support at an event last week.

John Allerton, Kev Holvey and Alan Gerard have organised nine fundraising events around the country this summer, to introduce more children to the sport, whilst also raising money for the cancer charity.

They want to raise £10,000 for the charity, and were inspired to set up the summer events after attending a fishing match in support of the charity last year.

The first event took place at The Oaks Lakes Fishing Complex in Sessay, near Thirsk, last week, and raised £821 for Macmillan, which Sarah Child, fundraising manager for the charity, said put them "well on their way to hitting the target".

She said: "Every £28 raised will fund an hour of support from a Macmillan nurse, which can make a vital difference when you are fighting cancer.

"I think these are great fundraising events not only offering children a unique day’s activity during the holidays but also by introducing them to a sport where they can learn from experts."

The next Master & Apprentice event will take place at Weston Pools Fishery Oswestry, in Shropshire, on July 25.

Other events include Sherwood Fishery in Mansfield on Tuesday, July 31, Swanlands Fishery in Thorne on Friday, August 3, Aston Park Fisheries, Sheffield, on Monday, August 6, Woodland Lakes, Thirsk, on Friday, August 10, Partridge Lakes Fishery, Warrington, on Friday, August 17, and Old Hough Fishery, Middlewich, on Friday, August 24, with the grand final taking place at Moorlands Farm, Goole, on Wednesday, August 29.

Entry costs £5 and can be organised through the venues, and participants are asked to collect donations of £35 or more.