ALAN Neil celebrated four successive victories at Makins Fishery.

His latest two wins came on Lake Four and the Thames section at the venue.

Lake Four was the only ice-free lake in the first open match of the week and, in spite of the strong and bitterly cold east wind, four anglers landed carp.

Neil used bomb and corn to lead the way at peg seven with a 24lb 8oz haul, his net featuring four carp.

Long Eaton's John Adamson was second at peg nine.

He also caught four carp using bomb and corn to tip the scales with a 20lb 4oz total. Third place went to Lanes Bait & Tackle angler Phil Hull, who managed to bring in 8lb 8oz.

Hull had one small carp and several roach, which were taken on caster on the pole.

Behind him in fourth was Shane Desmond with 5lb.

The next open on the Thames was equally difficult, with ice up to an inch thick being broken before the contest could begin.

Neil set the standard again, putting 24lb 10oz on the scales at peg two.

Fishing on the pole and baiting with pinkies, he landed carp weighing up to 6lb, his catch featuring stockies and several skimmers.

Simon Skelton was the closest challenger with a 14lb 4oz net at peg 11.

He lost several carp but still bagged enough to finish ahead of Hull in third place.

Hull landed 14lb at peg 15.

Jason Shirley wasn't too far behind in fourth place after catching 13lb 8oz, while Chris Harrison was fifth with 8lb 8oz.

Only one of the 18 anglers failed to catch.