A young Suffolk fisherman has netted himself a national award.

Harry Simper was recognised as a “shining example” to his generation – sharing the title of best young fisherman in the country.

Fishing News Awards judges trawled through a stack of nominations before selecting the 20-year-old, who owns and runs his own boat, the Silver Harvest, which fishes off the Suffolk coast.

Mr Simper, who shared honours with Shetland’s Ian Shearer, grew up on the River Deben in a family of boat lovers, beginning his career in fishing as soon as he left school at 16.

The youngest of three generations of Simpers from Ramsholt to join the industry, he has been fishing for almost his entire life, but became the proud owner and skipper of his own vessel in December.

His award was presented at a ceremony in Aberdeen, hosted by Sunday Brunch co-presenter, chef and restaurateur, Simon Rimmer, who said: “Fishermen such as Harry put in a huge amount of hard work to ensure their catch is always absolutely top notch.

“Harry’s dedication to the craft really is second to none.”

David Linkie, editor of Fishing News, added: “Harry is a shining example for all young fishermen, along with anyone considering the industry as a career. His commitment to fishing sustainably for high quality produce will stand him in very good stead as he develops his skills even further. He’s already achieved so much at such a young age and the future is very bright for him.”

Simpers of Suffolk farms oysters and mussels in the Deben – about which his grandfather, Robert, wrote several books.

Mr Simper, who recently became a father himself, said he was “very proud” to get recognition from the industry in which is determined to spend his life, adding that he found the experience of meeting so many other people from all over the UK “really useful and invaluable for learning so much”.