KEEN anglers from are being invited to a major angling show to be held in Trafford.

Despite 43 per cent of the UK’s annual rod licence sales coming from the north west a dedicated angling show has never been hosted before in the north for fans of the sport.

The Northern Angling Show will take place at EventCity, at the Trafford Centre, on March 23 and 24 and is expected to attract 10,000 visitors.

They will be able to try out its purpose built lakes for carp and coarse fishing and an ice and wet room so that amateur and keen fishermen can test some of the latest gear from exhibitors in the harshest of conditions.

Angling seminars, rig and bait clinics and demonstrations will also feature as part of the weekend attraction.

Fishing experts will be offering advice and tips throughout the weekend.

One of the biggest personalities in carp fishing, Derek ‘The Don’ Ritchie, and fishing guru and former decathlete Dean Macey will be appearing over the two days.

TV personalities Matt Hayes and Ali Hamidi will also be there, along with many other angling celebrities, including the current world champion match angler, Sean Ashby.

Carp angling ambassadors, Julian Cundiff, Steve Briggs and Rob Hughes are also confirmed to make an appearance along with representatives from the specimen and predator scenes all offering advice and tips for fishing fans that visit the show.

Jamie Clossick, respected angler, journalist and show director, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring such an exciting angling showcase to fans in the north.

"There is something for everyone happening over the two days and whether you’re a regular angler or keen on building up your expertise and equipment it promises to be a very exciting two days.”

Tickets are on sale priced at £10 for a daily ticket, or £15 for the weekend.

Earlybird and family rates are available.

For more information visit www.northernanglingshow.co.uk.