The Factory Shop's Rochford superstore unveiled its new fishing department at the weekend with special guest appearances from top boat fishing experts Neil Bryant and Ray Barron.
Bryant, the popular manager of the England World Boat Fishing Team, guided the national team to victory in the 2006 World Championships in Portugal, beating favourites Italy to the title.
He was joined at the opening by Barron, a valuable member of the World Team who is regarded by many as one of the best all-round boat fishing anglers in the world.
He has won the World Team and European Championships on two occasions; the only person to have achieved this.
Carl Cantor, of The Factory Shops, said: "The official opening of the fishing department went great."
"The shop was packed and customers were very pleased with the low prices and selection of products."
The store is in Purdeys Way, Rochford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article