Passionate about fishing since childhood, he took over his local angling shop three years ago and has not looked back.

“I enjoy every minute,” he says. “I had been coming here for about 15 years to buy fishing tackle and I got to know Dave the previous owner really well. He set up the business 18 years ago and when he said he was closing in 2018 I thought it was something I would love to do myself, so I bought it.”

Such a decision meant a huge life change for Alan. “I had worked in textiles all my life but I thought if I didn’t do it I would end up kicking myself.”

For someone who lives and breathes fishing, it was the right decision.

At first it was a little unsettling. “I took on the shop in winter so for a while not many people came in which was a bit scary, but as spring came it started to get busier. I knew some of the customers already and have started to build up a good customer base.”

The lockdowns have seen a surge in the number of people coming in to the shop, which sells a wide range of fishing equipment, catering for beginners to experienced anglers.

“Last year saw a massive increase in the number of people going fishing, especially families. I had mums and dads wanting to take their kids fishing - they came in asking for advice on how to start - what equipment they needed, what to do and where to go. They said they wanted to get out of the house and try a bit of fishing.

“It really pleased me to see so many kids showing an interest. Many don’t come out of their bedrooms nowadays. Some kids came in afterwards to tell me what they had caught and some show me photos.”

Growing up in Eccleshill, Alan was often seen with his fishing rod and bait box. “I have liked fishing ever since I was a young lad,” he says. “I used to go with my friends to Pilley’s Dam - everyone knew Pilley’s Dam, it was great for fishing. Sadly it’s been filled in and redeveloped now.”

He adds: “We also went down to fish along the canal at Apperley Bridge.”

That love of fishing never left him and he carried on his hobby into adulthood.

“I am very busy at the shop but I still fish when I can, usually on Sunday, my day off,” he says. “I go to None Go Bye Farm in Horsforth where there are well-stocked carp ponds.

“I match fish and pleasure fish at Tom’s Pond in Otley, owned by Steve Thackeray, as well.”

He adds: “Fishing is a great way to spend time. You are on your own, in peaceful surroundings, in the fresh air - you leave all your troubles behind you. Under normal conditions you can chat to other anglers if you want to, or to people walking past. It is so relaxing and you see all sorts of wildlife - I’ve seen deer, rabbits, otters and mink.”

His love of the sport led to him entering matches across the country, but his biggest ever catch was in France - a 37lb carp.

Although Alan prefers coarse fishing, he is also adept at fly fishing. “I used to go to Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs, but don’t do it any more.”

In his new job he is always learning. “In angling there is always something new - new ways of catching, new equipment. Products change all the time. The reps come to the shop and are very good with advice.”

He stock all types of bait including maggots, worms, casters, dead bait for pike fishing.

“We have many different types of rod for different types of fishing. We always give people advice.”

Under the current lockdown fishing is permitted in England under exercise provisions. People must fish locally, in a socially distanced manner and only once a day.

Alan closed the shop during the first lockdown, but in subsequent lockdowns he has been able to operate a call and collect service.

“At present customers ring and place an order, knock at the door and collect it. We are doing our best in these difficult circumstances,” he says.

He believes TV programmes such as Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing have sparked an interest in the sport, although “a lot of people have found out all they know from YouTube.

“If you want to learn anything go on there,” he adds.

Alan looks forward to going to work every day. “I love my job especially when it is busy in summer and people are coming in and chatting about fishing. I’ve definitely found my vocation.

“I sleep and talk fishing. My partner Sue switches off - she sometimes tells me to be quiet,” he laughs.

Eccleshill Angling Supplies, Unit 2, 13 Stony Ln, Bradford. Tel: 01274 627989. The shop is open. There is a video on YouTube, fly fishing with Alan Platt.