A GREAT Yarmouth freshwater fishing enthusiast who was seriously disabled in a road traffic accident has realised his big dream.For wheelchair-bound Darren Layfield's ambition was to acquire a piece of water and transform it into a purpose-build freshwater fishery to benefit other anglers who were similarly stricken with physical disablement, writes Roy Webster.

A GREAT Yarmouth freshwater fishing enthusiast who was seriously disabled in a road traffic accident has realised his big dream.

For wheelchair-bound Darren Layfield's ambition was to acquire a piece of water and transform it into a purpose-build freshwater fishery to benefit other anglers who were similarly stricken with physical disablement, writes Roy Webster.

This week Darren from Barnard Avenue, announced his dream had come true for he

had purchased a three-lake complex comprising about 15 acres of water in Porter's Lane, Lenwade and this weekend it would be up

and running.

A year ago 33-year-old Darren decided he wanted to create a freshwater fishing

haven catering for handicapped people with special needs. “I had been fishing all my life

and very active but since my accident I have realised there are two few waters suitable for wheelchair anglers.

“Some commercial fishery owners have tried hard to look after us but, to be honest, few understand how difficult fishing can be for the disabled angler who needs smooth pathways for the wheelchair, no steep slopes, a level bank to fish from and, most importantly, a suitable public toilet on the site with easy access.”

Darren had already filled his intended syndicate of 30 rods, however day tickets costing £10 are on sale commencing this morning covering the long weekends, but weekdays are left free for syndicate members only.

Another successful local initiative has been the move to include angling in the curriculum in local schools.

On Monday, April 21 this will bring together schoolchildren in an exciting teams-of-five challenge between schools in the Yarmouth Borough area, thus marking the success of the Belton-based Pete Ready and his wife Kaz.

The team challenge, sponsored by the Yarmouth Pownalls Tackle Shop will be staged on the Burgh Castle fishery with the draw at at 9am. Entries and further information from Pete Ready (07884 093366).

On the adult match scene Pownalls' team

men continue to make an immense impact in East Anglia.

Mark Bradford carried the banner to the Willow Lake at Barford where he scored a magnificent midweek runaway win with a heavy carp catch of 180lb 13oz. On the same venue on Saturday Bradford was third with 34lb 6oz while in West Norfolk Tony Anderson carried the Pownall's flat to Cross Drove, winning there with 41lb 10oz.

Club match results. Stalham (Colton): P Gardiner 84lb 4oz, D Agass 53lb, I Allison 33lb.

Sportsmans (Railway): A Varley 13lb 12oz, M Watson 13lb 11oz, G Hunter 11lb 13oz.

Caister Ship (Melton Ponds): J Payne 13lb 14oz, A Waldron 13lb, A Browne 9lb 14oz.

On the specimen carp scene Hall Farm Lakes, Burgh Castle produced nets full of quality double-figure fish.

Gorleston's Steve Aldous winched out 30 of these fish for an estimated total of 280lb. Shaun Hurren of Yarmouth bagged 23 for a 180lb, but the heaviest fish was heaved out by Colin Wood of Bradwell with a 21lb leather carp.

Along the beaches it has been marks south of the town that have produced top codling catches with some anglers taking half-a-dozen fish to 6lb on the coast at Orford and Aldeburgh, with even more reported by boat anglers a mile offshore.

This Sunday sees the Lowestoft Sea Angling Festival at Pakefield, the draw at the All Saints' Road car park is at 8.30am, fishing 10am-3pm. Entries to Stan Gowen 01502 581943.