ALONG the banks of the River Colne, teenagers and young kids enjoyed a spot of fishing in an attempt to keep them off the streets during their half-term break.

Among the Little Grebes and Mallards navigating their way through the branches and long grasses, lines were cast in an attempt to catch some of the pike and chubs lurking beneath the muddy surface.

The day-long fishing event was organised by PCSO Dominik Tokarczyk, as part of an ongoing initiative to keep youths in Oxhey occupied in organised activities, in an attempt to stem anti-social behaviour.

Jill Collins, 52, from Riverside Road, brought her eight-year-old grandson Cavan, an Alban Wood Primary School pupil, to the event in Riverside Park on Tuesday.

She said: “I thought it would be a good event to be involved in. Cavan enjoyed it, he caught some fish. It's been great for the kids.

“All the children need it. It certainly beats them roaming the streets with nothing to do.

“It gives them something to do.

“If they catch a fish it makes it even better and they're more likely to come back.”

During the day, local volunteers conducted a litter pick across the area, and filled two vans with bags of rubbish collected from the park and the river banks.

Meanwhile, more than 20 children between the age of eight and 16 arrived to take part, while also learning about the importance of keeping the river clean.

The event was so popular some keen anglers were even turned away.

PCSO Tokarczyk, who was aided by PCSO Mark Pearce, said: "It's been a super day.

“I thought if they caught one or two fish they would get the bug but one of them caught 21. One lad caught a fish and then a pike came up and took it. They were so excited.

“They are all really passionate about fishing.

It has been really awesome to see so many smiling faces.”

Steve Clarke, from Oxhey Angling Centre, provided the bait and said the sport keeps kids out of trouble.

He said: “Once you get kids involved in fishing, it keeps them on the straight and narrow.”

Grant Fear, from Catch 21 Angling Project, also taught some of the youngsters to fish.

He said: “It’s teaching them respect for their local environment.

“This project will make a big difference with the amount of litter dropped. Kids will take it on as their river and make sure things aren't being chucked in.”

Ann Akubue, secretary of the Rookery Residents Association, added: “It’s been a marvellous day. The kids enjoyed themselves. Maybe it will encourage them to come back again.”

The day, which cost £450, was funded by Watford Borough Council and PCSO Tokarczyk now plans to host a regular fishing club once a month, with competitions and prizes.

He said: “It’s kept the kids off the streets for a day. Next time it will be bigger.”

For more information about Catch 21 Angling Project, visit www.thames21.org.uk.