AN angler who promised his dying brother he would set up a business based on their love of fishing has finally seen his dream become reality.

Tony Devine has spent six years setting up his Accrington fishery - and even had to sell his house to help finance the project.

Mr Devine decided to transform two ponds off Broad Oak Road into coarse and specimen carp lakes after his brother, Guy Richard Guy, was diagnosed with cancer.

"I used to take him fishing when he was a young lad and we used to have a good laugh together," said Mr Devine.

"Even when he became ill we still used to go every now and again.

"Guy really loved the idea of setting up a fishery. It is a very peaceful activity and gives you time out from everyday life, time to sit and think."

Guy spent two years battling cancer but died in October 2003, aged 23.

With three years of construction work already undertaken, Mr Devine then re-doubled his efforts to complete the fishery.

He had to break down a thick layer of concrete that had been poured into one pond by previous developers and spent 18 months removing a 12ft layer of silt from the other.

He added: "I struggled to find a leak in one of the ponds for over a year. There were many times when I nearly gave up but I had promised Guy I would see it through and that's what kept me going."

The 31-year-old has ploughed £100,000 into the business, including the profits from the sale of his house. The former labourer now spends his time shuttling between friends and family and the site's security office.

The lakes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With over 6,000 carp, roach, and perch in the coarse lake and the chance to catch a 30lb carp in the specimen lake, Mr Devine was already turning keen anglers away before the official opening today.

Anglers can purchase a peg at Devine Fisheries for £7 a day.

The lakes are wheelchair-friendly and sessions are held on Wednesdays for anglers with special needs.

Mr Devine continued: "It has been a lot of hard work to get this started but I think it was worth it and I am sure Guy would be proud of it too."

For more information contact Mr Devine on 0797 686 8617.