Billericay & District Angling Club have landed a place in Division Three of the Embassy National Angling Championship.

The club squad finished in 13th spot in Division Four and that was enough to clinch the upgrade under National Federation of Anglers restructuring that sees the top 20 promoted to the new-look Division Three.

Billericay secured their elevation in the individual event on the Bridgewater Canal at Warrington on Saturday.

Club member Derek Powell - the oldest competitor at 73 - took the bronze medal in Cheshire with a weight of 3.520kg.

And the Witham angler's club mate Barry Lewis, 61, from Danbury, netted fourth place with a bag of 3.100kg.

"I must like fishing in the north west," said Powell. "I am really proud to have added this bronze medal to my gold medal from the Vets National in 2001."

The bronze team medal went to Fox Match Ockendon in only their second year contesting the national event.

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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