REGISTRATION has now opened for one of the region’s biggest annual angling competitions.

The Open Sea Angling Competition, run by Durham County Council, will take place on Sunday, 17 January between 11am and 4pm, when anglers will be able to take their choice of spots along the coast from Ryhope Dene to Crimdon Dene.

More than £4,000 in prize money will be up for grabs, with £2,000 going to the competitor who hooks the heaviest single fish.

Prizes will also be awarded in the women’s, juniors and disabled sections.

Anglers can enter ahead of the event at any of the following fishing tackle suppliers: Coast Road Fishing Tackle, in Horden on 0191 518 0742; Rutherfords, in Sunderland on 0191 565 4183; North East Tackle Supplies, in Seaham on 0191 581 7915; North East Tackle Supplies, in Ryhope on 0191 510 3573; North East Tackle Supplies, in Hartlepool on 01429 272 581 or Friarage Tackle and Bait Supplies, in Hartlepool on 01429 273 145.

Anglers can also register on the day of the event between 9am and noon at Seaham Leisure Centre. Registration costs £12 per person.

For more information contact Durham County Council Sports Development team on 0191 527 0501 or Seaham Angling Club on 0191 581 0321.