A FISHING pool that dried up 20 years ago will be re-opened in memory of a Stourport angler who began the restoration project.

Barry Hubble, who died last year aged 75, and his son Alan, spent four years working on Wilden Pool, Wilden Lane, so that it could be opened to the public.

Mr Hubble, 44, of Worcester Road, Stourport, has now finished the project in memory of his father who died before the project's completion.

He said: "It was a dream he had for a long time and I decided to go into the project with him. Unfortunately, I lost him last year and I promised I would complete it for him."

The pool, which has been funded by Mr Hubble, is 6ft deep and contains two million gallons of water and 5,000lbs of fish.

Mr Hubble, helped by his son Ben, 20, nephew Curtis Fudge,17, and some friends, has also planted more than 500 water plants as well as 300 trees and shrubs.

A fishing contest will take place on Saturday, July 9, in memory of Mr Hubble's father, with competitors from Littleton Angling Club, Goodwill Angling Club and Golden Maggot Angling Club.

"I'm looking forward to it with a little bit of anticipation," Mr Hubble said, "because of losing my father a year ago, we've shed blood, sweat and tears out there."

"Dad's been an angler all his life", he explained: "It was a just a dream he had of owning his own stretch of water and when he retired he had the time and it didn't take much persuasion for me to say I'd help him. It was an opportunity to help the area re-establish the pool."

He added: "I would like to thank Ben, Curtis, and good friends Dano and Murff for all their hard work and help, our family and friends and the kind people who have donated plants and shrubs."

The fishing match will be held from 10am until 3pm and anyone is welcome to watch. The pool opens to the public on Sunday, July 10, from 7.30am until 7.30pm.