ANGLERS are celebrating landing a "big 'un" after hooking a sponsorship deal with a neighbouring postal company.

Members of Shotton and District Angling Club, in County Durham, will be the smartest fishermen on the riverbanks at future competitions after being kitted out by MetroMail postal dispatch business, based at nearby Peterlee.

MetroMail agreed to wade in and provide matching fishing wear for members of the club's dedicated angling team.

The club, which has recorded consistent performances in the North-East Angling Times Team Championship all year, will really look the part at future events.

They will appear in royal and pale blue Shotton MetroMail fleeces, hooded sweatshirts, polo tops and T-shirts.

Team captain Steve Maitland said apart from looking smarter, it should bring added benefits of recognition on the riverbanks and lake shores in competitions, even in gloomy conditions.

"It's a huge boost to the team being helped out like this by a local company. Outdoor kit is very expensive.

"The team is now looking a lot smarter, feeling a lot warmer, and now members can even spot each other better in different sections on lakes and rivers, in bad weather as well."

Established for more than half-a-century, the club is among the biggest in the region, with 400 members.

Ages range from six to 86, with a youth membership of 117 and a thriving disabled section.

The club achieved star performances in the Angling Times Team Champion- ships this year, clinching individual first, third and fourth places.