AN international connection is going swimmingly for two companies dealing in exotic fish hundreds of miles apart.

Family-run Chilton Aquatics, in Chilton, County Durham, has become the UK’s largest importer of fish from Petra-Aqua, the Czech Republic’s main dealer, in Prague.

Thousands of specimens make the 1,600km journey by van every week through Belgium and France to Dover, with Paul and Nicola Roe’s shop, in Eden Terrace, Chilton, the most northerly drop-off point.

The £60,000 a-year deal came about through an initial internet inquiry from Mr Roe, a former police inspector, from High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland.

The Roes have since become close friends with Petra- Aqua’s sales director, Paval Roubal, who went into the business after an injury ended his career as a professional handball player.

Mr Roubal stayed with the couple this week.

He said: “We have 3,000 breeders in the Czech Republic, which is the biggest number in Europe and we are the main suppliers.

“Chilton Aquatics is our biggest customer in the UK.”

Mr Roe has built up the company since he retired from Durham Police two years ago, developing the internet trade and introducing new lines.

Prices for fish can be as little as £1 or as high as £15,000.

The couple run the business with the help of sons Duncan, 23, and Christopher, 22, and, among other items, they now supply and service tanks for organisations such as health trusts and hotels.

He said: “Keeping fish is a very popular hobby, nearly as popular as keeping cats and dogs. They are easy to look after and they are relaxing.

“We have noticed a 20 per cent drop in business in the past year, but it has started to grow again over the past two or three weeks.

“Our turnover hasn’t changed and we have introduced new items such as reptiles and rodents, so we are predicting a big increase by the end of the year.”