Fifty-nine dedicated fishermen from across the North East came together at the picturesque Derwent Reservoir in County Durham this past weekend for a charity fishing event in support of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Despite the brisk autumn breeze, spirits remained high throughout a full day of fishing, united by a shared goal: to raise funds for one of the region’s most vital emergency services. The event raised an impressive £340 for GNAAS, helping to support its lifesaving work across the North.
Paul Jackson, from Ryton, fishing for the Darlington-based team Nytro Quaker North East, led the field, winning with 6lb 8oz from peg 40 on the South Shore to be crowned the Derwent Reservoir Champion for 2025. Paul is no stranger to winning big fishing events. He recently returned from Ireland, being crowned King of Clubs Champion 2025, held in Arvagh, Co Cavan.
He was closely followed by Nick Jose, from the Chester-le-Street area, fishing for Preston North West with 6lb 4oz from peg 1 on Cronkley Meadow. Andrew Dargue from Darlington, fishing for Nytro Quaker North East, finished in third place with 5lb 12oz from peg 35 at Mill Sheild.
The prize for the biggest fish of the day fell to Ian Kirton, of Yarm, with a 13oz Roach. Whilst not the biggest fish ever caught from Derwent Reservoir, it was enough to land Ian a 12-month season ticket offering free fishing, kindly donated by Northumbrian Water.
The Derwent Reservoir Championships is a yearly event run by local fishermen Nigel Collis and Terry Crosby. Working closely with Northumbrian Water, who donate half of the day ticket fees back to charity. This year, as with previous years, the funds raised will go toward helping GNAAS continue its life-saving work across the region. The GNAAS provide rapid medical response to those in urgent need, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Organisers expressed gratitude to everyone who took part and supported the day, whether by fishing, donating, or simply showing up in support.
“This was more than just a day by the water, or another run of the mill fishing match for us. It’s a chance for the fishing community to give back to a service that we all rely on and respect. Despite the hard days fishing for most we are proud of what we raised, and we hope to do it again next year—bigger and better.”
Organiser, Nigel Collis
The Great North Air Ambulance Service relies entirely on public donations and fundraising efforts like this to stay in the air. Every cast, every coin, and every moment of community spirit makes a difference.
