Wigan schoolboy gets to grips with new hobby during lockdown

Charlie Ainscough, 14, decided to try angling with his older brother Alex, 21, when the Prime Minister changed the lockdown rules.

He got the fishing tackle and his parents arranged for his permit and rod licence.

And he has not looked back, enjoying many days fishing in the sunshine rather than playing Xbox games and distracting him as he misses his football team-mates.

His mum Emma, from Aspull, said: “He’s loving fishing, he’s really enjoying it. When they changed the lockdown, he started doing it. Before that he was going for a run or a bike ride with my husband.

“He started fishing because he didn’t want to just sit on the Xbox.”

It has been a tough time for Charlie, as his mum was diagnosed with cancer in September and received chemotherapy treatment.

He also turned 14 just as the lockdown was imposed in March but was unable to celebrate with his friends and family.

But fishing has really benefited him.

Emma said: “It’s been good for him. It’s relaxing and it has been good for his mental health, with what he’s been worrying about with me. It has done him good to do something new.”

Charlie’s efforts have been recognised by Coun Chris Ready, who presented him with a family pass for foot golf at Haigh Woodland Park after running a competition to find out what people have been doing during lockdown.

And Charlie hopes other people will be inspired to try a new hobby during the pandemic.

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