Painter David Brettell proved a dab hand as he landed a tasty cash prize competing in the world's biggest angling pairs event.

Brettell, 38, from Stockton Lane, York, and Reg Fearn, 52, from Doncaster, won £1,000 after coming fifth in the Embassy Challenge at the Riba Roja Reservoir in Spain.

The duo finished with 65 points at the two-day gala, now in its 25th year.

In scorching hot conditions - temperatures were well above 80F - the 40 pairs finalists fished two sections of the reservoir and two sections on the River Ebro below the reservoir dam.

Brettell and Fearn, enjoying their first fishing visit to Spain, were joint sixth after day one with 31 points.

Brettell, pegged on the reservoir, weighed in a carp catch of 14.520kg to win his section while Fearn, one peg away from the end of the more prolific river stretch, netted an impressive 30.760kg to come tenth in his section.

On day two, Brettell, now on the river, was third in his section with 22.260kg while Fearn was fifth on the reservoir with 11.520kg. That lifted them into fifth place.

"We had a brilliant trip and we are delighted to have finished fifth in such a prestigious event," said Brettell.

Selby's John Cryowski, who was partnered by Phil Austin, of Wakefield, finished equal ninth overall in their third final outing in four years.

They were equal second after the first day, but then dipped down the ratings. Said Cryowski: "It just didn't work out on day two."

The title went to Essex County aces Chris Vandervleit and Gary Miller, who collected the £6,000 first prize with a 73-point haul.

The competition's sponsors chartered its own aircraft to take the 80 finalists and tournament officials to Spain.

Updated: 12:59 Wednesday, May 23, 2001