AN historic angling club is hoping to hook some new members at the start of the brown trout season.

Eddie McCallum, president of the Loch Thom Angling Club says the club was formed more than 100 years ago and is one of the oldest in Britain.

Last year they boasted a membership list of over 170 and are recruiting men, women and child members for this year.

They toasted the new season by pouring whisky into the loch.

Eddie, 62, who is the proprietor of the Broomhill Tavern, said: "I've been a member for 20 years.

"Fishing gives me some relaxation time.

"We have female and child members and it's a good way to meet new people, a recreation and sport."

The club holds regular competitions and and an annual prizegiving, with this year's champion William Hutchinson.

Eddie said: "One member has been with us since he was 13, we have quite a few older members, who came with their dads when they were boys.

"One lady has been paying a membership for her late husband - just to keep his name going."

Eddie hasn't been able to fish as much lately because of health issues but still goes up to have a cup of tea and a blether with his friends.

He said: "We are looking for female members and juniors up to 12 join for free when their parents join.

"It gets them away from their iPads."

Eddie says the annual fee of £45 for adults and £20 for children is great value.

He told the Tele: "Children will get advice on fishing, and fly-tying.

"A year's subscription to our club is £45 for the year and you can fish every day."

*Anyone interested in joining the club can get more details at http://lochthom.weebly.com/ or from the Greenock and District Angling Club page on Facebook.