Ben Dobson, proprietor of a well-known Ribble Valley trout fishery, is inviting the public to a free "Festival of Fly Fishing" on Sunday, August 17th. People attending the event at Stock Reservoir, near Slaidburn, can have a go under the guidance of some of the UK's leading fly fishing experts.

He has organised the festival after the success of last year's inaugural event. Running from 10 a.m., it is aimed at fly fishers with some experience and those who have wanted to give it a try, but never had the opportunity.

It will feature casting and fishing demonstrations, one-to-one casting lessons for beginners and the more experienced, and demonstrations of how fishing flies are made. There will also be boat tours of the reservoir, a prize draw and barbecue.

For people coming along who aren't particularly interested in fishing, there are opportunities for walking and birdspotting around the reservoir.

Ben said: "Fly fishing is enjoyed by tens of thousands of people in the UK. It's an active, but not over-physical sport that can appeal to people of all ages, and both genders."

More details and directions to the event can be found at: www.stocksreservoir.com