CARL Blurton landed himself a top 10 finish alongside the world’s best anglers and came away with a tasty little treat to the sum of £2,000.

The 34-year-old from Blackburn took part in the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships where he was up against the best anglers from home and abroad.

And despite competing against former and current internationals, Blurton more than held his own as he finished in eighth place overall in the pairs and was sixth in Daiwa Cup singles competition.

It was the first time he had taken part in the prestigious event held over five days at venues across Ireland. Now he has set his sights on going back and doing even better next year.

Blurton, who used to fish on Rishton Reservoir as a youngster, came close to getting off to the perfect start on day one, coming up just 70g short of winning in a peg-to-peg battle with Rob Wotton.

Blurton, who is a member of the Maver team, netted some big bream – some pushing 4lbs – to run neighbour Wotton very close.

He also finished in second place with partner Boyden Krodniskey from Bury on the opening day at Bunerky Lake.

It was the start of five days of consistent and competitive fishing for Blurton – a former member of Hyndburn and Blackburn Angling team.

By the end of day two, he was ranked fourth in the pairs and third in the singles – a position he maintained by the end of day three although Blurton and Krodniskey slipped a place in the pairs.

Blurton was still in the top three by the end of the fourth day however his combined catch of 75.190kg saw him finish in sixth in the Daiwa Cup while a combined catch of 106.810kg was good enough for eighth in the pairs.

Blurton won £500 for the pairs and £1,500 in the singles.

“I have won more money but this is a prestigious event and to do so well against some of the best anglers in the world means a lot,” he said.

“I was the only one to finish inside the top 10 who wasn’t a current or former international so I am really pleased with the way it all went.

“It was a fantastic competition and I loved testing myself against the best.

“I’ve never competed in it before but I definitely want to go back next year and try to do better – who knows I might even go and win it!”