YORK High School duo Tylor Faulkner and Lewis Lazenby have been hailed as Fishing 4 Schools Champions.

The 12-year-olds were among 28 keen young fishing fans from around the country to be honoured at the Fishing 4 Schools project’s Champions Awards at the House of Commons.

Both boys received a medal and certificate from Countryside Alliance chairman Kate Hoey MP and Charles Jardine, director of the Fishing 4 Schools programme.

Fishing 4 Schools is an educational campaign run by the Countryside Alliance Foundation, the charitable arm of the Countryside Alliance.

It provides short angling courses at schools across the country, aimed at youngsters who might not respond to traditional classroom-based learning but flourish when you get them outside.

Each school involved in the scheme nominated the pupil, or in some cases pupils, who gained most from the scheme in the past year.

Year 4 leader Erica Evans said: “Both boys were stars on the course. Tylor was chosen as our champ for being determined and proactive in his approach on the course. He was knowledgeable and shared this without thought with others.

"Lewis was chosen as our second champ for being patient and enthusiastic from day one to day four. He has made massive improvements in his behaviour and confidence at school.”

Jardine said: “These youngsters are a tremendous example of what can be achieved through the Fishing 4 Schools courses.

“The awards were a great success and we were delighted that so many MPs came along to cheer on their local champions.”

Hugh Bayley, MP for York Central, said: "Fishing is the most popular participatory sport in the UK and it is great that the Fishing 4 Schools programme is encouraging young people to take up fishing and enjoy the great outdoors.

"I am pleased that schools in York have been taking part.

"Tylor told me he has been fishing from the age of six. Most of the 12 competitors from York High School had never fished before, so Tylor had a head start but he has done really well to win national recognition."