TOM Lane is the new RiverFest champion following a scintillating performance at the River Wye in Hereford at the weekend.

The 24-year-old grandson of match fishing legend Billy Lane landed nine barbel weighing 43lb, fishing lobworms or halibut pellets as hookbait, with a 4oz feeder packed with 4mm halibut pellets as feed.

As well as the trophy, Lane also picked up £12,000 in prize money.

Second place went to to Richard Tomala, with Alistair Oglivie coming in third.

"It was another fantastic final in challenging conditions and all credit to Tom for his fantastic performance after enduring a difficult first day," said Ben Thompson, senior competitions and talent manager at Angling Trust, who organised the event.

"It was a close run thing as Richard Tomala on peg 41 could have sneaked it with a few more fish and Alistair Ogilvie continued his fine year with another excellent performance and result.

“The Angling Trust would like to thank all those who have contributed to RiverFest 2015 from the local organisers running qualifiers to Hereford & District Angling Association for hosting the final, match referee Tony Birt who did a fantastic job of officiating and our sponsors Thames Water, Severn Trent Water and Bait-Tech.”

A total of 72 anglers descended on the Wye over the two days, with the match length split into A and B sections located above and below the old railway bridge.

Catches were evenly split between both sections and it was Welsh International Lee Edwards who led the way after the first day with a weight of 23lb 9oz from peg 97 in B section.Heavy rain fell on Saturday, but that did not deter Lane, who rose from 62nd to first and take the title.