The broadcasting giants have thrown their support behind a host of new angling shows which will include both competition highlights and a 'Top Gear-style' fun and entertaining fishing show.

Hughes, Angling Promotion Officer with the Angling Trust, said: "I’m over the moon to be working with  BT Sport and all the brilliant energy and creativity that comes with it. Our sport is magnificent and we are one of the leaders on the international competition scene.

"As anglers we need to see more of the big events televised and the wider public needs to know just how good England are as an angling nation."

Hughes, who has already revolutionised angling event coverage and himself has netted two world titles in carp fishing, added: "Part of my role with the Angling Trust and Sport England is to promote participation within our sport and I aim to do exactly that.

"Taking angling to a wider audience is exactly what we need and showing the public how good we are, and also the fantastic benefits of angling, are vitally important to the future of our sport.”

The agreement will see 27 new programmes being made for BT Sport made up of 15 event highlights shows to be broadcast shortly after the event, and a magazine-style series of 12 programmes covering all disciplines of the sport, and featuring star guests, fun challenges and a look into some of the conservation and environmental benefits of angling.

Events to be included are UK Champs, British Carp Champs, Match This, Parkdean Masters, World Predator Classic, World Carp Classic, World Feeders, Floats, Carp and Lure Championships plus two other events made especially for TV.

The first of the competition highlights shows will be broadcast in May with the magazine show airing in late autumn.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News