A Woodbridge fisherman has scooped a national accolade.
Harry Simper, skipper of the Silver Harvest, is joint winner of the 2016 Fishing News Young Fisherman of the Year award.
His award, which he won jointly with Ian Shearer, skipper of the Courageous, was presented at a ceremony in Aberdeen last night hosted by Sunday Brunch co-presenter Simon Rimmer.
Harry, 20, who owns his own boat, grew up on the River Deben and recently became a father.
He loved boats from an early age, having come from a family of boat lovers.
When he left school at 16, he knew he wanted to become a fisherman, and has worked hard to establish his business.
“If Harry isn’t fishing, he’s baiting lines, fixing nets, tinkering with equipment on the boat, developing new strategies, getting the boat ready or anything else that needs to be done,” judges were told.
The awards returned this year after an eight year absence.
Harry’s father, Jonathan Simper, said: “This award represents fishermen throughout Britain and Ireland who are judged on their skill and commitment to an industry that provides wonderful produce but at huge personal risk.
“We are so proud that Harry as an East Anglian Fisherman has achieved this recognition in what is a huge industry.”
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