A LATCHFORD fishing shop owner helped England to victory in the FIPSed 20th Ladies’ World Coarse Angling Championships in Slovenia.

Thelwall resident Helen Dagnall, who also enjoyed a catalogue of success with the national side this century, was a member of the six-strong squad who took the crown on the River Sava at the weekend.

England topped 18 other nations to clinch the championship, but Dagnall feared it had slipped away after Croatia stormed into a day one lead.

“We were 12 points behind,” she said.

“But we managed to bring it back and won by four points.

“We didn’t think we had a chance, but it can only take a bad draw or someone being in the wrong area and things can change.”

Dagnall was landing barbel, vimba bream and roach with maggots, bloodworms and casters as bait.

The former Warrington Sports Personality of the Year has remained part of the England set-up since 2000, but admits she enjoys seeing new faces enter the side.

“A lot of the team I had fished with before,” she said.

“We fish together throughout the year and go to a trial where the manager picks the side.

“There’s only two left from the team in 2000, but every team needs change as it keeps us fresh.”

However, with the women’s side completely self-funded Helen had to raise the money needed to make the trip herself.

“It’s the helpers we should thank really,” added the Warrington Anglers’ Association member.

“We have to raise all our own funds to go to the tournaments and it can cost £10,000 to £11,500 each year.

“We put on raffles, tombolas, race nights and tackle shows to help raise the funds.

“It’s hard to go back and ask the same people to try and raise money each year.”

In fact, when Dagnall helped the England side to glory in 2002 the team were left without funding for flights after a sponsor withdrew, meaning a 1,200-mile journey to reach Slovenia.

“The squad flew out this time,” said Dagnall, who finished fifth in the final individual classification.

“But we had a driver who had to take £1,100 worth of tackle in the van.”