Small rivers don’t necessarily spell small fish, as John Turner proved when he banked a 15lb 3oz barbel from the River Anker.

The venue record and personal best fish fell to two hair-rigged 12mm halibut pellets on a size 8 hook after an opportune piece of fishing by the Tamworth angler. “I dropped by the river at Polesworth and found it was slightly up and carrying colour,” explained John. “I thought I’d try and new swim which was five feet deep with two snags on the far side.” John broke his personal best with a 12lb fish just 45 minutes after casting in at 6pm, but had to wait until 10pm before the river record fish took his bait.