A FISHERY in North Wales is offering free fishing to children this spring and summer in a bid to get them away from their games consoles, and back outside.

Llandegla Fishery, found in the Welsh hills near Wrexham, will be providing youngsters with the chance to get out on to one of their five fish-filled pools with trained coaches from this weekend.

The offer is open to everyone, including guests who are staying at Llandegla Fishery, and is currently planned to take place every other Saturday, starting from April 27.

Depending on its popularity, though, Llandegla Fishery owner, Simon Harrison, could make the free fishing for kids a weekly event throughout the spring and summer.

Mr Harrison said: “One of my big aims is to work on getting kids into fishing.

“I’ve been passionate about fishing for most of my life since I was about 10 years old.

“We’ve got coaches involved that are looking to give their time free of charge, just as we’re giving the fish free of charge, to get kids interested and stop them playing PlayStation.

“We want to get them off the sea fishing and bass fishing games on the PlayStation and get them out into the fresh air.”

Llandegla Fishery are offering the free fishing this spring and summer to any young person under the age of 16.

While those under 12 will be able to get straight on to one of Llandegla’s glistening pools to begin fishing with their respective coach, children between 12 and 16 will have to register their details on site for health and safety reasons – although this will all be free of charge.

With children becoming increasingly glued to their screens through television, gaming, and social media, Mr Harrison is keen for young people to rediscover their love for the outdoors.

He adds: “People are looking to get back to the outdoors. Things will probably turn full circle at some point, we might be lucky (to see children playing outside again) in my lifetime.”

If you’re interested in getting your child involved in this free fishing scheme over the spring or summer, contact Llandegla Fishery on 01978 755851 or visit www.llandeglafishery.com