A FLY fishing motorcyclist will have an impressive yarn to tell when he hands over thousands of pounds to a Herefordshire charity.

In just one day, Philip Clarke caught a trout in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales in aid of St Michael's Hospice and Cancer Research UK.

His mammoth fishing challenge was inspired by his mother, Rosamonde Langton from Shenmore near Madley, who died two years ago from cancer.

Philip said: "Her final days were spent in St Michael's. As anyone who has had experience of hospices will know, the quality of care and compassion of the staff was incredible, allowing her to die in peace and dignity.''

He added: ''This sponsored fish was my way of repaying some of the debt I owe them."

He began his sponsored fish at 4am in Northern Ireland and had the first trout in the bag after just 15 minutes. The last trout was landed at 9pm near Wrexham, North Wales.

Philip has raised £3,000 so far and hopes to raise £5,000.

Sponsors can send cheques, made payable to 'Fishing to Fight Cancer', to 2 South Avenue, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9QB.