TIMELINE OF THE RECORD CLAIM

JANUARY 13 Dean Fletcher catches the Parrot from Berkshire’s Wasing Estate. It weighs 68lb 1oz, according to fishery scales.

January 25 Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards tests the scales using internationally recognised weights. They are found to be accurate.

February 3 A copy of the Trading Standards certificate verifying the scales’ accuracy is received by the British Record Fish Committee.

February 4 The BRFC accepts the tests carried out on the scales, and the process of official verification begins.

June 7 The BRFC meets to verify its latest batch of claims, including the carp record.

June 18 Dean Fletcher receives a certificate confirming his new, official, record.