A POLICE-run fishing competition designed to keep children and young people away from drugs and Crime attracted more than 200 junior anglers.

The annual contest at Bradshaw Fisheries aims to get girls and boys interested in the sport while telling them about the dangers of the criminal world.

The event, called Hooked on Fishing - Not Drugs and Crime, was split into under and over 12s, with the competition held every Monday in August.

There was a weigh-in at the end of each session and the person with the highest aggregate score over the four weeks was the winner.

The winner of the younger group was Christopher Poulton, aged 10, with 12-year-old Jade Ball the runner-up.

Top of the other category was Aaron Applegate aged 13, with Chris Diack, aged 14, in second place.

The winners picked up a prize and a trophy at a presentation on Bank Holiday Monday.

As well as the fishing competition, the GMP's drug prevention caravan was at the site on Bradshaw Road to help raise awareness of drug-related and health issues.

Sgt Elaine Hodgkinson, Bolton's Divisional Drug Co-ordinator, said: "This initiative is a success every year as the young people enjoy themselves while developing a new and constructive past-time.

"Also, it helps to fulfil our main objective of preventing youngsters from becoming involved in drugs and crime."

There was an opportunity for young people to get their angling equipment and mobile phones security marked during the competition and they also enjoyed talks on various subjects.

In addition to the drugs and crime information, they were told about wildlife, including badgers, foxes and owls, plus first aid.