It was the first of three matches that will see service users from Wakefield Day Opportunities, part of Wakefield Council's Family Services, compete against users from Millennium Care Services, an independent sector care agency.

The winners will receive trophies and medals and it is hoped the competition, which took place at Flanshaw Dam, will become an annual event.

The anglers are also raising sponsorship money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The project, which has received a £1,000 grant from Wakefield Council's community chest fund, was organised after a series of taster sessions and has proved so popular that service users have launched their own angling club, called The Dolphins.

Fishing offers adults with learning difficulties the chance to learn more about environmental responsibility and animal welfare.

Maureen Cummings, cabinet member for adults and health, said: "Our thanks go to Wakefield Angling Club, the volunteers for their support and to all the dedicated work by family services staff to set up these popular sessions.

"They provide a new and welcome opportunity for those taking part to learn new skills, meet new people and generally play a more active and independent role in their communities. They'll also be raising much-needed money for this worthy charity."