East Yorkshire: Beach angling championship celebrates 30th anniversary

The Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship is held over three days along the coast between Bridlington and Spurn Point

Hundreds of competitors from across the UK and Europe have been putting their skills to the test in a major sea angling competition in East Yorkshire.

The Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship is held over three days along the coast between Bridlington and Spurn Point.

The event, which features curiously-named disciplines such as the Flattie Bash, is named after its late founder.

It is now in its 30th year, having started in 1994.

In addition to demonstrating their angling skills, event organisers said it was an opportunity for participants to pick up valuable experiences, tactics and techniques.

Competitors, who attend from as far away as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, said it was also a chance to meet up with old friends.

Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the event provided "a timely boost" to the local visitor economy ahead of the busy summer season.

He said it was honour to host such a "prestigious event".

The competition, which was originally known as the European Open Beach Championship, was renamed in honour of Mr Roggeman following his death in 2015.

Organisers said from humble beginning it had grown into the largest three-day beach angling competition in Europe.

They said its success was down to "the tireless hard work and dedication" of its founder.