CHIPPENHAM Angling Club is organising a special fishing workshop this weekend, which it hopes will hook youngsters onto the sport.

Interested youngsters will be handed a basic rod, called a whip, and line and given a short individual lesson in fishing basics by senior members of the club on Saturday on the river bank at Island Park, in Chippenham.

Organisers are hoping for up to 50 youngsters, who will be tutored for 15 minutes each between 10am and 1pm. The teaching workshops, which are sponsored by fishing equipment supplier Drennan, are on the first day of the new fishing season and will be followed by a juniorcompetition.

Brian Duffield, secretary of Chippenham Angling Club, said: "We're always looking for young members because they're the lifeblood of the club.

"Anyone who wants to try can come along and get an idea of what it's like. When I was young I didn't know anything about fishing, but I had a neighbour who took me along once and after that I was hooked. A lot of youngsters who try it really love it, but if you never try you'll never know."

The club has tried different initiatives in the past, but decided the practical approach of putting rod in hand is the best way of interesting youngsters. Duffield, said: "A lot of young people don't know what they want to do. Anyone from any background can take part in fishing, which gives youngsters something to do and gets them off the streets."

Anyone under the age of 16 is invited to come along, but they can book their session in advance through Rob's Tackle, in New Street,Chippenham or on (01249) 659210.

The draw for the junior competition is at the Riverside, a mile and a half further up stream from Island Park, at 1pm and fishing will take place between 2pm and 5pm.