Over the past couple of weeks I have supported Robert Townsend over his record claim after catching a monster 6lb 2oz perch in the Thames near Thames Ditton marina, writes Ray Robson.

That support was misplaced as it appears he didn't even have a licence, leaving the record fish committee with no option but to discard the claim.

This angler should be prosecuted for fishing without a licence and undergo a medical examination to ascertain what he has between his ears.

Mark Smith fished a private stillwater last week and banked a fantastic trio of roach, scaling 3lb 3oz, 2lb 7oz and 2lb.

Richmond shopfitter Dave Lucas' first session on the Thames since moving from Birmingham brought him a personal best 2lb 4oz roach.

Dave legered lobworm near the mouth of the River Mole and, as well a couple of smallish bream, also banked a 4lb 11oz chub.