HARD work to transform the River Severn match length at Bewdley has paid off for Kidderminster and District Angling Association.

The group have clinched a sponsorship link with tackle giants Daiwa for the forthcoming river season after improving the stretch.

It can now host competitions for up to 100 anglers after the efforts of Dave Harrell and Matt Maginnis who raised more than £15,000 for river-bank enhancements.

The link-up is believed to be the first between a major tackle company and an English river venue.

Harrell said: "We are installing platforms on many of the swims and are having reinforced steps put in on most of them to make the length a lot safer and more user friendly.

"We have talked to a lot of anglers who are a little tired of fishing matches just on small commercial venues so we decided to provide quality matches on the Severn as an alternative.

"The Severn at Bewdley is not just about barbel any more as there are loads of small fish to go for if anglers use the right approaches.

"I think anglers visiting the venue this summer will be pleasantly surprised at what it has to offer."

There will be open competitions every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer as well as the second Bewdley Angling Festival at the end of July with prizes exceeding £10,000.

Two Drennan League fixtures, a teams of four weekend in August and an individual league series from October are other highlights.

There have been various changes, including a new car park and alterations to draw and fishing times.

Five-peg sections have been introduced along with a 24-hour booking and information telephone line.

An association newsletter is available from tackle shops or by writing to Bewdley Angling, P.O. Box 2660, Bewdley, DY12 2GL, with an SAE or e-mailing Bewdleyangling@aol.com