YOUNG fishing sensation Kyle Tully has cast himself in the national spotlight.

The 14-year-old from Bardon Mill was crowned junior champion at this year’s Troutmasters competition.

The teenager excelled in the U18 contest at Wooler late last month, against other young fisherman from as far afield as Devon, Cornwall, Wales and Ireland.

Kyle was presented with his certificate by TV fisherman James Stokoe, winner of BBC 2’s Earth’s Wildest Waters show last year.

It capped a challenging campaign for Kyle, whose step father David Johnston works at the New Mills Trout Fishing Park in Brampton.

He made a significant catch late on Sunday morning, which saw him qualify for the all-important afternoon session. Two more catches followed in the afternoon, and Kyle was installed as champion.

Stepfather David said: “It was a case of whoever catches the most fish within a time limit is the winner. Kyle has been fishing for about four years. His casting is excellent, and he demonstrated a lot of perseverance last weekend.”