JUNIOR anglers are getting hooked on a new club set up by a qualified coach.

Worcester-based angling coach Neil Sarkar has established a new fishing club named Hooked. He has set up the club with the aim of encouraging youngsters to ditch their computer games in favour of the great outdoors.

The Saturday sessions are open to youngsters between the ages of six and 16 and living in the Worcestershire area.

Mr Sarkar, aged 37, from Martley, near Worcester, passed his Joint Angling Governing Bodies level two coaching course in 2002 and has since been teaching youngsters throughout the area.

He said: "My aim is to run the club on both Saturday and Sunday mornings eventually. The more sessions the better. What I'm trying to do is break the PlayStation culture where kids are sitting in front of computers when they could be out in the countryside fishing. The scenery is spectacular. There's buzzards and all sorts overhead."

Each week members will be given professional instruction during the two-hour sessions to develop their skills in all aspects of fishing.

The group caters for all abilities from the total beginner to the more competent angler.

Mr Sarkar said: "I have been an angler for 30 years and saw the qualification as a good way to put something back into the sport. So far I have introduced about 1,000 youngsters to angling, many of whom had not even had the opportunity to visit a fishery let alone fish before.

"Angling is a great lifelong pastime and gives children the opportunity to not only learn the sport but to experience the very best that the countryside has to offer. To join the club you don't need to have fished before and you don't even need tackle, all of that is supplied.

"What I promise children is that this is the best way to learn to fish properly and to get real enjoyment from the sport."

Hooked runs at Berrow Farm Fishery, Worcester Road, Martley, The sessions run all day and there are different ones depending on ability.

For more details call Mr Sarkar at Hooked Angling on 07807 071254 or e-mail him at hookedangling @msn.com