A carp fishing competition in Southminster has raised more than £3,000 for Blind Veterans UK.

The annual 'Carpers for Veterans Support' event, hosted by Holdfast Training Services Ltd, took place at Oak Lakes Fisheries between September 20 and September 22.

The competition, now in its fifth year, saw 18 participants battle it out to catch the five biggest carp over a 48-hour period.

The majority of the anglers were serving Royal Engineers or veterans, with the youngest participant aged 25 and the oldest 65.

Ex-Army serviceman and event organiser, Mark Jobling, said: "The event was once again a resounding success and we raised £3,190 for Blind Veterans UK.

"It always amazes me that this huge amount of money is raised by 18 blokes fishing."

In addition to the fishing competition, a raffle and auction were held over the weekend, with prizes generously donated by nearby businesses.

Over the five years that the competition has been running, it has raised more than £17,000 for Blind Veterans UK.

Mr Jobling, who served in the British Army for 30 years, said: "I’m fortunate that I still have my health, but some people are not so lucky.

"Since leaving the services, I have become passionate about giving back.

"I feel immensely proud to be able to do something to help those who have lost their sight whether that was during service or later in life."

Mr Jobling and his angling partner Russ Stanley won this year's competition with a combined weight of 87lb and 2oz.

They were presented with the inaugural Jennie Hammond Trophy, named in honour of Jennie Hammond, who worked for Blind Veterans UK and was an integral part of the 'Carpers for Veterans Support' team before her death last year.

Mr Jobling added: "Her loss was a huge loss to the event so in honour of Jennie, we now award the ‘Jennie Hammond Trophy’ to the winning pair.

"Jennie’s husband Roger attended the event to present us with the trophy and after his speech, there wasn’t a dry eye among us."

To support Blind Veterans UK, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-jobling11.

Groups that would like to raise money for Blind Veterans UK can email fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk.