A Norwich publican was 'overwhelmed' by the response to her appeal for unused fishing equipment.

Eastern Daily Press: Yvonne Wright and The Bridge Inn team shared their fishing equipment donations with the fishing community in Denton Bridge, Gambia. Picture: Yvonne WrightYvonne Wright and The Bridge Inn team shared their fishing equipment donations with the fishing community in Denton Bridge, Gambia. Picture: Yvonne Wright (Image: Archant)

Yvonne Wright, owner of The Bridge Inn, Lenwade, launched her appeal after visiting Gambia on a fishing trip.

Mrs Wright was appalled by the standard of equipment the local fishermen based their livelihoods upon and decided she wanted to do something about it.

Once back in Norfolk, Mrs Wright contacted the Norwich Evening News and Eastern Daily Press to publicise her appeal for unused fishing equipment, which she planned on returning to the poverty stricken country on her next trip. The Bridge Inn was subsequently inundated with donations which Mrs Wright has shared among the fishing community in Denton Bridge, Gambia.

Mrs Wright said: 'We were overwhelmed by the response, it went absolutely mad; the phone was ringing off the hook.

Eastern Daily Press: Yvonne Wright is appealing for disused fishing equipment ahead of her next trip to Gambia. Picture: Yvonne WrightYvonne Wright is appealing for disused fishing equipment ahead of her next trip to Gambia. Picture: Yvonne Wright (Image: Archant)

'One old lady had cut the article out of the paper and saved it and when her husband died she brought in his fishing equipment.

'We went back out in January for a couple of weeks and we brought one of our bailiffs who looks after our lakes here. He was able to provide a bit of expert tuition and see what we can do better in the future.

'We took as much as we could, which was 45 rods and reels, as well as various nets and lines and spinners etc, and we've got the same amount to take again next time.'

Mrs Wright and The Bridge Inn team were greeted by the chief of the community with a small reception and the equipment was shared out among fishermen.

Mrs Wright said: 'One of the beach fishermen caught a barracuda with his first cast on the new rod we gave him, so as a thank you he cooked it for us there on the beach with sweet potatoes. It was really lovely.'

Going forwards Mrs Wright is hoping the project can achieve charitable status and she plans on returning again with more donations in November.

Due to the diverse nature of the fishing in the area, any kind of fishing equipment donations will be gratefully received.

If you can help, please call 01603 872248, email thebridgefishery@gmail.com or visit the pub in Fakenham Road.

You can view more pictures on Instagram at bridgetothegambia.