Reel cure for boredom

From the archive, first published Monday 10th Apr 2006.

A MAN who was inspired by his own son's battle with drugs has set up a project for young people to help keep them occupied in their spare time.

Tom Carroll runs a fishing club for girls and boys aged between seven and 16, and teaches them all the basic skills of the sport.

Called Fishing with Tom, the project teaches youngsters from Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Ferryhill, Shildon, and the surrounding areas.

It also has the backing of Durham Police's fishing project - Get Hooked on Fishing - Ferryhill District Angling Club and Tunstall Fly Fishers, which allow Mr Carroll to use their waters for teaching the children.

Mr Carroll charges minimal rates for the coaching sessions, and says he is determined to see his project succeed.

"Two years ago, my son was involved in heroin and it was an awful time," he said. "I spoke to him about his reasons and he said it was because there was nothing else to do. That was where my determination to set up something worthwhile came from.

"Fishing is something I know about and I have the skills that I can pass on. By coming on one of the coaching sessions, kids can learn all the basics they need. They can come along, have a laugh, and really get something out of it.

"With some of the things they learn, they may find they want to work in the environment or in farming. It could be showing kids a hobby, or even a career they might want to spend the rest of their lives doing."

Mr Carroll's sessions run on Saturdays and Sundays and during school holidays. A half-day session costs £15 and a full day is £25.

He would like to hear from anyone or any societies who have fishing equipment to donate to his club, and is also appealing for a female supervision assistant to help out. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Carroll on 07759 469032.

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