£3K raised on #GivingTuesday will fund three more school courses in 2020

Many more pupils will be able to take part in Fishing for Schools next year thanks to fundraising efforts on #GivingTuesday.

Around £3,000 was raised by Fishing for Schools director Charles Jardine and youngsters from schools involved in the project on #GivingTuesday (3 December) a special charity fundraising day.

Charles set himself the challenge of fishing the Ring of Wessex Waters. Beginning at first light, Charles set out to fish at six separate fisheries, catching a fish at each before moving onto the next.

Starting at Dever Springs, Charles moved on to the Itchen at Avington; then Barton Stacey, on the river Dever, the middle Test, the Wylye and the Ebble - before catching a bonus pike on the Avon, on the Wiltshire/Hants border in the dark. Supporters sponsored him for each fish caught and each water fished.

Charles said: "I have never fished so many waters in one day – it was a really crazy challenge, especially on one of the shortest days of the year – but it exceeded everything I had hoped for. To catch so many different species was fantastic."

Charles caught a rainbow trout at Dever Springs, followed by a number of grayling at subsequent waters, a 2lb specimen roach on the Deever and, of course, his pike.

"It was an amazing day and I am so grateful to everyone who donated. This £3,000 will mean another three schools can take part in the initiative next year."

Pupils from schools involved in F4S are also raising money for the cause. Youngsters at Purbrook Park School in Portsmouth sold fish-related cakes in school, raising £30.83 and a crazy clothing day and sponsored walk are planned at other schools.

Charles added: "We'd like to make #Giving Tuesday an annual fundraiser for us so are planning even bigger and better things next year."