KEIGHLEY Angling Club hope to attract more youngsters to the sport of fishing after junior member Ross Pickles was voted on to the committee this week.

The talented 16-year-old became the youngest person to join Keighley’s governing body after receiving the full backing of members at the club’s AGM.

Chairman Fred Farrington said: “We are delighted to welcome Ross as a full committee member; he has been a junior at the club for many years and is passionate about angling.

"He already has considerable experience with a reputation for catching large numbers of fish, including specimen carp and chub. We believe he will inspire other young people to give fishing a go.

“This signals our determination to encourage young people to become active in shaping the future of our club – especially at a time when angling is gaining popularity.”

Ross began fishing at the age of five and was recently in the news for netting a fin-perfect chub 5lb on the Aire near Utley.

The Keighley club said it had recorded a surge in membership over the past two years, mirroring the national trend which has seen rod licence sales soar for the first time in six years.

Meanwhile the committee renewed a warning to all walkers and anglers venturing near the river to be extra careful as recent floods and high winds have created dangerous and unpredictable conditions underfoot.