Anglers aim to reel in prize catch in world's biggest angling event

The Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship, which was renamed in memory of its founder, celebrated its 24th birthday this year.

The competition saw an estimated 1,000 anglers from over 12 countries returning to the coast of East Yorkshire.

It is the first year that bass – a restaurant and angling favourite – was banned from the weigh-in because of changes in the Common Fisheries Policy.

Anglers are now only allowed to catch and release bass, as part of tough new rules which were bought in after scientists warned that the wild population had slipped to dangerously low levels.

The hugely-popular weekend continues to attract ever-increasing numbers of new faces despite the continued economic conditions.

Promotions and marketing across the UK and Europe saw an increase of entrants from Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and Poland.

The beach fishing event, organised by East Yorkshire Events and East Riding Council, is said to boost local businesses by more than £500,000 during what is normally a very quiet time of the year.