SEA ANGLING - EVERY November since 1958, the Weston Sea Anglers Association has organised an open beach fishing competition in aid of their local RNLI lifeboat station.

EVERY November since 1958, the Weston Sea Anglers Association has organised an open beach fishing competition in aid of their local RNLI lifeboat station.

This year, despite driving rain and severe gale force winds gusting over 47 knots, more than 30 anglers took part in the event sponsored by PRV Engineering from Pontypool.

In the evening, having dried off, the association presented members of the Weston RNLI crew with a cheque for �369 at the Royal Hotel.

The chairman of the sea anglers, Terry Giles, said: "We have always supported our local RNLI station and so the weather was not going to stop us this year."

The cheque was received by RNLI crew member and mechanic Simon Cresser, who thanked the association and said: "It is always rewarding when others, who understand the sea and its dangers, recognise what we do.

"We were at our boathouse this morning and can confirm the wind was blowing a severe gale. That makes our thanks even greater."

Fishing fans will note that Nicky Frewen, of Axbridge, whose two flounders (including one of 1lb 7oz) won her �200, is the mother of Ryan Frewen, who won the recent junior open.

The family efforts are helped by friend, England international and host club member, John Lintern.

Runner up Mo Giles is the club's treasurer as well as the chairman's wife. Her fine 1lb 14oz flounder won �100 and a flatfish pool.

Dick Hooper's silver eel of 1lb 1oz earned �50 and round fish pool. England youth International, Sam Rogers, finished fourth with a 12oz flounder (after third place in the Junior Open).

Diary note: The Christmas Open is on Weston beach on December 13. Details to follow.

BOTH men and ladies England Sea Angling teams took part in the latest internationals in Budva, Montenegro.

Four matches were fished where an array of several Mediterranean fish landed by all. England international lady Avril Withyman from Clevedon is pictured with Jon Lintern who fishes for the men and comes from Weston. With their efforts, the teams both came second, the men to Portugal and the ladies to Croatia.

Sponsorship for these matches is always hard to come by so if anyone wishes to sponsor please do not hesitate to come forward.

Lots of rough weather will have brought in some good winter fish looking for food so get out and have a go. Next Weston Outcasts Match on Burnham beach is on November 29 from noon to 4pm. Sign in at the Bay View Caf� in Burnham from 10am.