COMPETITORS in a Wychavon fishing contest will be able to win some top equipment after the district council hooked a massive sponsorship deal.

Wychavon District Council has arranged a three-year deal with angling giant Shakespeare to the tune of £22,500.

The company will sponsor the Evesham Angling Festival - previously known as the Wychavon Festival - from 2004.

It is also presenting a supply of its angling equipment for prizes and a special bronze trophy for the winner of the championship.

"We have only just had this year's event and we are already celebrating this brilliant news for next year," said Evesham's town partnership manager Lew Hammond.

"Shakespeare's managing director John Tomsett has always had a team in the festival so it is close to his heart."

This year's event took place last weekend.