Anglers on parade for world contest

Two hundred of the world's best anglers have come to the borough to cast their lines in the annual event, which is being held in the resort for the first time.

Tomorrow's opening ceremony will see the competitors parade down the Esplanade behind a marching band, before an official reception at the Pavilion.

The men's and ladies' contest runs from Tuesday, September 28, to Friday, October 1, on Chesil Beach, moving to Preston Beach if the weather deteriorates.

Organiser David Rowe, from the National Federation of Sea Anglers, said Weymouth been picked because of the quality of its fishing and the borough council back-up.

He added: "We are delighted to have attracted 21 national teams to participate in the Championships from 12 nations, all ready to keenly compete for the title of World Shore Angling Champions.

Anglers, who all operate a 'catch and release' policy, fish in four daily matches each lasting four hours, with each catch being measured for length.

The winner is the person with the longest aggregate length of fishes over the four days.

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top performers.

Mr Rowe has asked spectators to stand behind the barriers that will be put up around the anglers while they are fishing.

The nations competing are Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Scotland and Wales.

Host country England are the current men's team champions, with Portugal's Mario Verrisimo the reigning individual title holder.

Croatia held the women's team title, with Italy's Flavia Santoro taking the individual prize at the contest in Portugal.

Britain last hosted the championship at Dover in 1997.

Borough Mayor Lynne Herbert said she was very proud the borough had been chosen to host the event.

She said: "The world shore angling championships is a very important part of our calendar, and I hope it will be very memorable year for all anglers who are taking part."