A YOUNG fisher from Popley is angling to take part in a competition in Thailand.

Ellen Hicks, 11, is a keen fisher and has entered the Angling Direct King of the Catch competition in the ‘Princess’ category, to be in with a chance of being flown out to a fishing resort.

But, she needs votes to win the contest.

Ellen has been fishing for several years, going with her father and late grandfather to a lake in Aldermaston ever since she was young.

Ellen also suffers from a rare kidney disease called Nephrotic Syndrome, which means that she has to have chemotherapy and medication, and has left her with brittle bones.

Last month, Ellen was fishing at the Seven Lakes Fishery when she managed to catch one of the new carp that had just been added to the lake, so she given the honour of naming the fish, a 20lb 8oz carp. She decided to name the fish ‘The Grandfather’ after her late grandfather, with whom she used to fish.

Then, in a period of 45 minutes, Ellen managed to hook another new carp, which was even larger at 22lb 6oz. This one she named ‘Sheila’ after her late great grandmother.

Ellen’s cousin, Amy Sammut, told The Gazette how much she enjoys the fishing. Amy said: “Ellen loves fishing as it’s so calming and reminds her of her late granddad. It’s a really nice outlet for her as other sports can be quite dangerous.”

Amy said: “She loves to fish and it is the perfect sport for her. She wants to inspire other youngsters to give it a go and think that it is possible. She has such a good heart and gets so excited about the competition, which is nice to see. It would really be a dream come true for her to go to Thailand and have a go at catching the big fish over there, it would be really amazing. It would mean the world for her to go.”

To vote for Ellen, go to anglingdirect.co.uk/competitions/king-of-the-catch-2018/princess/ellen-hicks.