IT is the only surviving open fishing competition in the Borders.

And its success is largely down to one man.

David Mitchell organised the Borders Angling Club Knock-out Fishing Competition.

Last week, he stepped down as secretary of Selkirk and District Angling Association after 50 years.

He first joined as secretary in 1963 and has continued in the role ever since.

The retired mill manager, who also served on the trout hatchery committee, was instrumental in setting up the fishing on Lindean Reservoir in 1979.And, on Saturday, Adam Borwick, who has been appointed Association secretary in his place, presented David with a painting of his favourite fishing spot at Lindean to honour his long service.

Paying tribute this week, Adam said: "I would like to carry on and do as good a job as David did."

But he joked: "Definitely not for 50 years."

The new fishing season opens at Lindean Reservoir on April 1.