FROSTY weather conditions hampered the progress of the nine youngsters who competed in Devizes Angling Association's annual junior Christmas competition on Saturday morning.

The three-hour match was held on Curry's pound at Bath Road, Devizes and competitors were able to take advantage of the ten new fishing platforms provided by British Waterways.

Saturday morning's hard frost dictated that the fish were going to be very reluctant to feed and difficult to catch and, as a result, all competitors struggled to get bites.

Richard Harding took first place with 1lb-3oz of Roach fishing pinkie over crumb, while Matthew Hewton finished second with 11oz using a feeder. Third place went to Ben Lomas-Milne with 101/2oz using pole-fishing pinkie over crumb. Fourth place was taken by Phil Williamson with 10oz. He also used pole fishing pinkie over groundbait and a size 22 hook.

The competition was held in conjunction with the launch of the new platforms installed by British Waterways in order for the Devizes Angling Association to offer a teaching facility for newcomers to the sport.

Danny Williamson of Devizes Angling Association said: "The ten platforms will provide a vast improvement with regards to safety and comfort whilst fishing and the extra space will enable one-to-one tuition."

Tuition has been taking place at Curry's Pound for the past three years, and is normally being held on Tuesday evenings during the Summer months. Anyone interested in tuition can contact Danny Williamson on (01380) 860479.

Results: Richard Harding 1lb 3oz, Matthew Hewton 11oz, Ben Lomas-Milne 101/2oz, Phil Williamson 10oz, Paul Williamson 2oz, Gareth Cooper 1oz. Matthew Pearce, Conrad Sandford and Ray King also fished in the competition.