BARRY Thomas has cast his sights on the fishing World Club Championships this summer after his team received a top award from Sky Sports.

The Darwen-based angler is captain of the Ted Carter Southport team who have just been voted Sky Sports Fishing Team of the Year in a viewers' poll.

Barry and his team got the vote after fighting off the challenge of 79 other 12-man teams to become the First Division National Champions on the River Thames late last year.

And that means they have now qualified to represent England at the World Club Championships in the Czech Republic in June.

"It's the pinnacle of my angling career," said Barry, who has been connected with the Ted Carter team for 25 years.

"You can't really top this in the sport." And Barry, who works as a fitter in Commercial Assemblies, has just received a cheque for £1,000 from his employers at British Aerospace in Samlesbury to help him in his bid to win the championships.

The 44-year-old was granted the award through the company's Mike Rouse Sporting Award Scheme, enabling him to purchase a new 16m carbon fibre pole.

"I'm really grateful to BAe for all the support they have given to me," said Barry.

"The pole will certainly help me in the World Championships and could possibly make the difference between success and failure."

Paul Earnshaw, BAe's public relations officer, added: "The Mike Rouse sporting awards have helped numerous employers excel at a national level in their chosen sport.

"We wish Barry and the rest of his team the best of luck in the Czech Republic and hope that they become world beaters."

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