AN angling club hit by foot-and-mouth disease restrictions is celebrating the reopening of its ponds - on top of a welcome cash boost.

The Langley Park Angling Association opened Littlefairs Pond at Edmondsley, Country Durham, yesterday.

The event comes in the wake of a £2,500 contribution from Awards for All North-East.

Club treasurer Benny Bentley said: "This is good news for the club. The money will be used to organise club competitions and to provide tuition and coaching to improve angling skills.

"It will also be used to buy equipment to loan to new members and to encourage access for disabled people and school children.

"Some of the money will be used to create fishing platforms for disabled people and heart attack victims."

And the club will spend some on celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The club reopened Tursdale Pond, near Ferryhill, earlier this month, also has a stretch of river Browney at Langley Park. And work is under way to clear a third pond at Esh Farm.

Anyone who would wish to join the club or try their hand at angling can contact Mr Brenkley on 0191-373 2408.