A RESIDENT at a care home in Chard has netted the first prize in what is believed to be the UK’s first fishing tournament for adults with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
Ben Mill, who lives at Chard Manor on Tatworth Road, a residential care home operated by social care provider Voyage Care, won the trophy after hooking an impressive overall catch of 26lb.
The competition was staged at the Wetlands Animal Park in Retford, Nottinghamshire, and attracted competitors from across the country.
It was organised by Voyage Care employee Roger Stocks, a keen fisherman, and manager of a residential care home for people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
Roger said: “To the best of my knowledge this is the only fishing competition of its type in the UK.
“We wanted to create an event which was not only fun, but also encouraged participation and promoted a sense of achievement.
“Without a doubt it was a really rewarding experience for all those people who took part.
“The feedback that we’ve received has definitely inspired us to organise a bigger and even better tournament for next year.”
After the competition Ben was said to be over the moon about winning.
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