A YOUNG angler has been commended for his fishing talents at a ceremony at the House of Commons.

Pewsey Vale School pupil Zak Awoodun, 13, was nominated by his tutor after showing a natural talent for the activity while taking park in the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing for Schools initiative.

The scheme encourages pupils to take part in short courses where they learn the basics of fishing.

He visited the House of Commons with 23 other young anglers and was presented a medal in recognition of his passion for the sport at the Fishing for Schools Champions Awards.

It has also led to an improvement in Zak's school work and tutor Deborah Lythe said: "Zak is an outstanding student who tries his best in all areas of his school life.

"He is progressing well in all his subjects and he tries his best to exceed his target levels. Zak is affable, friendly, mature and a real asset to the school."

Fishing for Schools director Charles Jardine added: "Many of these students have had challenging school careers but fishing is a sport without barriers and seems to have struck a chord with these students, offering something they can achieve and benefit from and teaching all manner of life skills along the way.”