Teenage fishing fan has netted a top award

A NUNEATON teen netted a surprising catch while out fishing when he was told his story will be featured on the One Show.

When student Declan went fishing with his dad little did he realise that he was going to be told he was a winner in this year’s BBC Young Reporter Competition by presenter Alex Jones.

The moment the 13-yearold found out he was one of just a handful of winners from thousands of entries was aired on the One Show on Monday.

Presenter Alex Jones explained why Declan’s story about fishing touched the heart of the judging panel which included the likes of Laura Kuenssberg, Louis Theroux, Alex Jones, Huw Edwards and Nesta Mcgregor.

She said: “He [Declan] has had a really rough time of it, he was involved in a car accident and struggled wth his confidence as a result. His report stood out because, like so many of us, during lockdown he discovered a new hobby and his was fishing.

“It has really helped his anxiety, he is much calmer, much happier now he has started doing it.”

She explained how he found out he was a winner and how his story will feature on the One Show on Thursday.

“He was out on one of his regular fishing trips with his dad and granddad, helping to build his confidence, all of which he wrote about brilliantly in his submission,” she said.

“So we arranged a very special catch for him.”

He found a note and he read it out, saying: “It is not quite the catch you are expecting but a ‘fintastic’ surprise is hiding in your net, it might be your favourite catch yet.”

He then found an ipad and watched as the presenter apologised for interrupting his fishing trip - but said he was a winner in the nationwide competition to give young people a voice on the BBC. “It is really surprising- it is very rare that I actually win anything,” he said.

“It is quite important to me, I hope sharing my story, showing how I cope, will help other people express their emotions.”

His story will now feature on the show on Thursday night from 7pm.

His report stood out because, like so many of us, during lockdown he discovered a new hobby and his was fishing. Alex Jones