Anglers boost salmon stocks in River Vyrnwy

The young salmon from Clywedog hatchery being released into the water

One of the UK's largest fishing clubs has raised £5,000 to help improve salmon stocks in a tributary of the River Severn.

The Prince Albert Angling Society, based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has worked with the Environment Agency to release 6,000 of the fish in Powys.

The young salmon, or smolts, were released into the River Vyrnwy, which society members have fished for years.

The club was formed in 1954 and has more than 8,500 members.

The smolts were bred at the Clywedog hatchery, near Llanidloes, before being released.

The Environment Agency said Wales' rivers were at their healthiest for more than a century.

The agency's Chris Rees said: "I am delighted that the Prince Albert Angling Society has helped to fund this salmon release and are keen to continue working in partnership with us for the next two years.

"It's heartening to see anglers stepping forward to help protect the species, not only for themselves but for future generations."

The agency said the society had raised £5,000 towards re-stocking the river.

Karl Humphries of the angling society said: "The 6,000 or so smolts stocked into the River Vyrnwy should now have a good start in life due to all the efforts put in by Brian Hamer and his team at the Clywedog hatchery.

"We look forward to supporting this project over the next few years."