An organisation which promotes angling on the Broads has paid tribute to Sprowston angler Keith Ford, who died suddenly during a fishing contest on Saturday.

Mark Casto, chairman of the Broads Angling Strategy Group (BASG) described the angler as a 'great ambassador' who worked tirelessly for angling.

As reported in Monday's Evening News, 64-year-old Mr Ford, of Parana Road, collapsed on the banks of the River Yare during an event at the Beauchamp Arms on Saturday.

The BASG works in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority to promote angling access and projects for the benefit of angling on the Broads.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Casto said: 'Keith was a member of the BASG and on behalf of the group I would like to offer our greatest sympathies and condolences to all of Keith's family and friends. He was without doubt a great ambassador for the sport of angling that he loved so much and will be greatly missed.

'He worked tirelessly for angling and to promote the sport as a member of the Broads Angling Strategy Group and was always cheerful and good humoured.'

He said that the group would be paying tribute to Mr Ford at the next BASG meeting in July.

In tribute to Mr Ford, the BASG added: 'Keith had been running matches on the River Yare at Claxton (Beauchamp Arms) for more than 30 years. He conversed with and achieved agreement with various landowners over the years and successfully achieved access to the riverbank in the area.

'This enabled anglers and fishing clubs not just locally but from far and wide across the country to visit and enjoy the superb fishing on this area of the Norfolk Broads.

'He was also instrumental in achieving a satisfactory relationship with the local sailing club so that both anglers and sailors could share and enjoy this area together.'

Would you like to pay tribute to a friend or loved one? Call reporter Annabelle Dickson on 01603 772436 or email annabelle.dickson@ archant.co.uk