A fishing club for the students at St. Florence and Stepaside primary schools has returned for six weeks.

In July, Environment Agency Wales worked in partnership with Pembrokeshire Federation of Angling Coaches (PFAC) and Water Meadows Coarse Fishery to give the students at St. Florence and Stepaside primary schools two angling taster days.

Following on from the success of these two days, the schools have been working together with local angling coaches and a local fishery to provide an after-school angling club.

St. Florence Primary School headmaster, Gari Davies, said: "A number of our Class 3 pupils took part in the angling taster days. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were keen to continue with the after-school club.

"Apart from being a fantastic leisure activity which nurtures perseverance and respect for the environment, it can reinforce crucial scientific concepts such as food chains, inter-independence and adaptation." 

Environment Agency Wales has provided funding for Pembrokeshire Federation of Angling Coaches to offer angling tuition to local groups such as schools and scouts.

Ida Tavner, angling participation officer, Environment Agency Wales, said: "This is really good news. We want to support children to become responsible anglers and it makes me very happy to see local schools, fisheries and angling coaches getting together in this way to promote angling. Fishing is a great hobby and an excellent way to learn about and appreciate the environment."

The children will learn how to catch their first fish and learn more about the sport of angling.

They will also find out about: species and lifecycles of fish in the area; fish welfare; being safe at the waterside; angling equipment, baits and tackles; rod licences and what they are for.

Pembrokeshire Federation of Angling Coaches (PFAC), chairman, Peter Tadman, said: "PFAC is helping St. Florence and Stepaside schools with their newly formed fishing clubs, providing coaching and angling equipment.

"Our objective is to help the youngsters gain initial experience and confidence so they can develop and enjoy the sport of angling."

The sport of angling is a major contributor to the Welsh economy. Surveys of inland and sea fishing activity suggest that, in 2005, the total spend on angling was £148.4 million per year and that a high proportion of that money, £63.8 million, actually stays in Wales, supporting more than 1,500 jobs.

Fishery owner, Jillian Jones, said: "I want to encourage children to take up fishing and getting involved with the schools is an excellent route to do so."