A PAIR of anglers are celebrating after winning an international tournament in Thailand.

Peter Flowerday, who is 59 and lives in Warwick Road, Winklebury, Basingstoke, and his friend, 60-year-old Vince Ferrugia, of Buckskin, Basingstoke, picked up first prize in the Phuket International Sport Fishing Classic.

This is a sea-angling contest that involves teams of four fishing off the coast of Phuket for three days. Anything caught counts, with two points being awarded for every kilo landed.

The Basingstoke pair were joined on the boat by German angler Heinz Gebhardt but were unable to find a fourth team-mate and had to take part a man light, making their victory even more laudable.

Using lines with six hooks, they managed to land 122 kilos on the first day, 49 kilos on the second and 25 on the third. They ran out winners by 30 points.

Mr Flowerday, who has previously represented England in fishing competitions, said: "I could not believe it when we were told we had won, especially as there were only three of us and the German guy we were with had not done any sea fishing before.

"It was hard work as it gets terribly hot out there and, by the time you have finished for the day, you have awful cramp in your arms. But it was all worth it in the end."

Anyone interested in being on Mr Flowerday's team next year should call him on 01256 466954.