For the second year in a row, Wales has a European champion in sea angling from the shore.
Last year's winner, Alan Cheswick (Pembroke Dock), narrowly failed to retain his title when the championships were held over three days at Freshwater East, Newgale and Aberaeron between November 6 and 9. He managed a creditable fifth, being one of only six anglers to weigh-in on all three days.
His title was taken by Jimmy Jones from Withybush, Haverfordwest, who adds this to the world title he won in 1998 in Langeland, Denmark.
He is pictured above with the European Federation of Sea Anglers' festival officer, Libby Walker, who came all the way down from her native Scotland for the event, which was organised by the Welsh section of the federation, principally by another former European champion, their festival officer Phil Lustig (Stackpole).
The event was fished by 57 anglers from six countries, with Dutch anglers filling the other medal places and taking first and second in the international team event, with the Welsh A team of Alan Cheswick, capt., Hayden Cole (Lamphey), Ken Gainfort (St. Ishmaels), Phil Lustig and Adrian Tucker (Milford) third, and the Welsh B team of John O'Connor, capt. (Cosheston), Steve Davies (Pembroke Dock), Andrew Jamieson (Haverfordwest), Shane Tucker (Milford) and Steve Tucker (Swansea) fourth.
Thanks must go to sponsors of the Welsh section, Texaco, and main sponsors of the event, Penn Tackle, Ammo and Tenby Fishing and Shooting.
A raffle was also held during the presentation evening, at the event headquarters, The Woodlands Hotel, Tenby, in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance, for which many individuals and organisations willingly gave prizes and deserve thanks for their support, as well as the anglers buying tickets.
A total of £410 was raised for this worthy cause and Welsh Air Ambulance appeal organiser, Peter Kraus received the money from EFSA Wales chairman Roy Edge, along with Phil Lustig and EFSA Wales president Reno Rinesto.