A FORMER plumber has netted a place in a national squad after beating some of the country's finest anglers.

Stewart Hume won the final of the English Disabled Fly Fishing tournament, held on Rutland Water, Leicester, to take The Geoffrey Preece Trophy.

The title also gives Mr Hume, 48, the chance to represent England in a home nations tournament in Scotland next summer.

The former plumber, who lives in Hollowdene, Crook, said: "I was really pleased to win, especially because Midland fishers are so good, especially when they know the best way to catch on local water."

He was the only competitor, out of more than 40, to catch the full target of eight fish. He managed the feat in under four hours.

Mr Hume, who has been partially paralysed since a motorcycle accident 18 years ago, took up fishing competitively a decade ago.

He said: "I enjoyed it when I was a kid but lost interest. After my accident I took it up again and now find I really enjoy it. There are competitors who have fished seriously since they were young and are still learning, it looks like luck but is really technical."