Thousands of fish were released into the River Aire this week as part of a major restocking programme by the Environment Agency. Over 20,000 dace were released at several locations between Skipton and Bradford, including Kildwick Bridge.

Richard Atkinson, fisheries technical officer with the Environment Agency, said: "It is of vital importance that we undertake work such as this on our rivers, particularly on the River Aire where stocks are limited. In places on the Aire the water quality is improving, thanks to better treatment methods. That is certainly the case downstream of Esholt waste water treatment works. We had to wait for those improvements to kick in before we were even able to think about restocking.

"Fish are also being introduced further upstream to improve stocks where fish are unable to colonise due to the large number of inaccessible weirs, which inhibit fish migration. The existing stocks are increasing, but at a very gradual rate. By doing this we are giving things a helping hand."

The latest restocking follows the release into the Aire last year of 12,000 chub, roach and dace from the Environment Agency's Calverton Fish Farm.

l The dace is part of the carp family, which schools near the surface in fast flowing, clear water. It feeds on plants and invertebrates, and breeds between February and May.