A fishery of four lakes in the countryside has secured a £3,317 grant towards improvement works including disabled access.

The Angling Trust in partnership with The Environmental Agency has awarded the cash to Picks Cottage Fishery, in Sewardstone Road, Chingford.

It will be constructing four disabled fishing platforms and receive a British Disabled Angling Association audit to provide a framework for future improvements and accessibility provision.

Director Andrew Roddick will also qualify as a Level 1 Angling Coach in order to introduce fishing tuition to residents and partnerships with schools and youth groups.

Mr Roddick said: “It is about trying to improve accessibility around the venue and making sure it meets the needs of wheelchair use.

“It would be too expensive to do without the grant so it is really fortunate we got it.

“It is great news and a good opportunity for us.

“I want to encourage more children to get involved in fishing.

“Many are more used to Xboxes than tackle boxes."

The fishery was set up in 1987 and Mr Roddick took over as director of the fishery from his father five years ago.

Rick Warner, national angling strategy manager at the Angling Trust, said: “We are really delighted to make this award to Andrew and the team at Picks Cottage to help fund the access improvements and other measures at the fishery.

“They put in a very good bid and are a worthy winner.

“The purpose of the Angling Improvement Fund is to reinvest some of the proceeds of rod licence sales into new and better facilities, which will encourage existing angler and we hope many new anglers to try this wonderful sport.”