A PIONEERING fly-fishing club which was set up to help people recovering from breast cancer was officially honoured this week by Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Lady Gass.

Gillian Payne, of Holsworthy Farm, Brompton Regis, set up South West Fishing for Life in 2008 and her efforts were rewarded in April this year when she received a top commendation from the Queen.

The club was one of only four in Somerset and 117 nationwide to receive the award this year and on Tuesday, Lady Gass presented club members with their award on behalf of the Queen.

The annual honour was created ten years to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by volunteers.

It has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

At the time, Gillian said she was "thrilled" to receive the accolade and hoped it would raise the profile of the group to enable it to help even more people.

She was inspired to set up the club after reading a book about one woman's battle against breast cancer.

She then discovered the muscle movements associated with fly-fishing had been medically proven to aid breast cancer patients and, living alongside Wimbleball Lake, the idea of fishing for life was born.

"Over 100 people have been through us already and it is my aim to get out there and reach the people who don't know about us," she said.

The founding group is now based at Wimbleball Lake and relies on the goodwill of lake owners the South West Lakes Trust and a ready team of volunteers, including fly-fishing coaches, committee members and fundraisers.

"The award is for all our dedicated volunteers, from those who make the teas and coffees, to the coaches and our dedicated committee.

"Without all those people the fly-fishing days just wouldn't happen," Gillian said.

As well as the physical benefits of fly-fishing, club members also benefit mentally from the companionship of other group members and the peace and tranquility of the lake-based settings.

Club members received a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal to mark its achievement at a special ceremony hosted by Lady Gass at Wimbleball Lake.

The local fishing for life group meets on the first Sunday of each month between 10am and 1pm.

Each session is finished with either a barbecue in the summer months or a hearty bowl of soup during the winter.

More information is available from Gillian on 01398 371244 or by emailing her at [email protected]">[email protected].

Pictured, from left, are coach co-ordinator Sally Pizii, club secretary and founder Gillian Payne, Lady Gass, chairman Patrick Veale and Chris Hall of South West Water.

Photo: Steve Guscott