The first fishing match to be held since the reopening of the South Pier in Lowestoft, has been hailed a huge success by organisers.

A total of 29 anglers turned up on Saturday, July 18, including three women and one junior, to take part in the event- which was run in conjunction with the Lowestoft Summer Festival.

The competition itself, which was contested in glorious sunshine, raised a total of £232, which will which will be donated to the 'Keeping the South Pier Open Fund', the charitable trust responsible for the lease of the pier and the insurance.

Other donations came in the form of a raffle, generous passers-by and a local estate agent.

On the day, the winner was Michael Kent of Lowestoft with eight fish for 2lb 1 1/2 oz. Second was Paul Carter of Lowestoft with four fish for 1lb 8 3/4 oz and third was Emma Goltenboth of Lowestoft with 1lb 7 1/4 oz, who also won the prize for top lady.

The junior winner was Mason Skillings with one Flounder for 7oz.

Paul Willis, secretary of the Lowestoft Sea Angling society said: 'The event went very well and I believe all who participated enjoyed themselves. The weather was probably too good for angling, but we mustn't complain as it could have been pouring down.

'This is the first match we have held on the South Pier since it closed suddenly in October 2013 and if the demand is there, we will be looking to run more open club matches in the coming months.

'It was very pleasing to see so many local people and holiday makers walking on the pier during the fishing match and several of those taking part in the event commented that this was exactly what the pier should be used for and it should not be closed off and left to become derelict.

'Special thanks should be given to the local angling shops and other businesses and individuals for very generously giving prizes for the match and the raffle.'