NEWLY crowned King of Chit Mike Bennett has added another title to his name – winner of this year s Black Rod fishing contest. Mike was one of five fishermen to take part in the five-hour competition off Sidmouth beach on Sunday, September 21. Bathed in

NEWLY crowned King of Chit Mike Bennett has added another title to his name - winner of this year's Black Rod fishing contest.

Mike was one of five fishermen to take part in the five-hour competition off Sidmouth beach on Sunday, September 21.

Bathed in sunshine, the annual contest began at 7am, with competitors fishing from the River Sid near Alma Bridge to Jacob's Ladder.

For Mike it was his second win since he began taking part in 2001. For previous winner Andy Eric Steele, it was second place for the second time.

Mike, also recognisable as Sidmouth's own Postman Pat, said: "I am thrilled to have won this again. It's just a bit embarrassing presenting the trophy to myself. Thankfully Postman Pat was on hand to help out."

He caught a 2lb 1oz dogfish, biggest fish of the day, early on in the day and kept it alive in a bucket of sea water which he changed regularly before the midday weigh-in at the Swan. He then returned it to the sea.

Mike said: "My daughter Abi won Black Rod last year and I'm hoping my son Guy will next."

With an easterly wind the sea was stirred up, forming a red patch of water, which said Mike, did not encourage fish close to the shore.

"We could have caught mackerel or garfish, but we only caught dogfish. Andy caught two smaller ones but the others I were with off Bedford steps didn't catch anything."

Swan Inn landlord Adrian Ricketts presented Mike with a case of beer and a trophy.