TODMORDEN anglers warmed up for next week's Pennine Winter League at an open match hosted by the home side.

A total of 117 anglers took part in the match which gave team members a final chance to get some practice in before the season starts.

That match, which attracted anglers from across the North West, took place on the Rochdale canal in Todmorden.

And TAS members had the perfect start with two members finishing in the top four.

Top angler John Leeds showed he was in fine form after he scooped the first place cash prize of £218 for a catch of bream weighing in at 22lb 12.5oz.

Leeds is regarded as one of the club's better anglers and it was just the boost TAS needed as they prepare their assault on the league programme which is a team rather than individual event.

And he was a clear winner with second-placed Keith Marshall of Tri-Cast Calder finishing with a catch of roach and perch that weighed just 5lb 13oz.

Andy Shirtcliffe of Rochdale GTI was in third place with one bream and 'bits' that totalled 5lb 1oz.

And Todmorden had another member among the prize winners when Paul Cryer finished in fourth place with two bream and 'bits' that weighed 4lb 7.5oz.

Society member Joyce Hartley said that the club was pleased with the turnout.

She said: "I think there was such a large turnout because anglers saw it as an opportunity to gets some last minute fishing in before the league starts.

"It was good to see John win as well because he is regarded as one of the club's better anglers."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.