THE annual Evesham Festival again drew in huge crowds but catches were tough even for talented anglers on the River Avon.

Gary Cross won the top prize of £3,000 in the Dynamite Baits Evesham Individual Championship thanks to landing the only barbel of the day.

The 9lb specimen helped Weston-super-Mare angler Cross triumph with 9lb 8oz 0dr.

Wiltshire’s Dean Barlow made the most of fancied peg 35 to catch 8-4 and win the Wychavon Championship, involving the best anglers locally and nationally, for a second time.

Welsh international Lee Edwards was second with a bag of roach.

Fourteen teams contested the Match Fishing Team Championship which was claimed by Barnsley Blacks ahead of Starlets, Dorking and Dynamite Trentmen.

More small fish were caught in the team competition but one 11lb barbel won individually.

The popular festival was staged over three days.