From a grim start, Clacton angler Martin Englefield literally had a grand finish to a memorable day.

After a dramatic journey, 34-year-old Martin ended up with the £1,000 top prize in the Isle of Sheppey Open championship.

Martin, of Farmers Way, made a last-minute decision to fish the match so rushed around getting his bait and fishing gear together.

The match started at 11am, and Martin did not have a good start as he did not leave home until 8.30am.

Things got worse as when he got to Dartford, he found the bridge was closed. It took more than half-an-hour to cross the Thames and time was getting really tight.

To make things even worse, when he got on the Isle of Sheppey the river bridge opened up to let some sailing boats through, which caused another 15-minute delay.

He got at the booking-in point 25 minutes before the match started. It was a 420-peg open, and Martin was informed that he was the last entry.

Martin got to his peg with ten minutes to go before the start.

He was using peeler crab for bait and within the first two hours, Martin had caught six eels and one flounder. He spent the last three hours of the match without a bite.

With 8lbs 10oz, however, it was enough to win the match and a lucrative first prize of £1,000, plus £428 pool money.

Martin said: "At one stage I wished I had stayed in bed, but now the rushing around was worth it. I have a dream to buy a plot of land and build a home, so the money will help towards that," he added.

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