One of Hardy’s most famous customers – and a legend in world cricket – opened Pure Fishing’s newly refurbished retail shop and museum at its UK headquarters last week.

Former England captain and fervent fly fisherman, Sir Ian Botham, paid tribute to the renowned fly fishing tackle manufacturer as he cut the ribbon at the headquarters of the iconic brand in its spiritual home of Alnwick, Northumberland, England.

Botham told the assembled crowd that he was ‘proud’ to be involved in proceedings. “Hardy has been very close to my heart for a number of years and I have been using its gear for as long as I can remember. I have always liked its quality and the service which is fantastic both before and after.” Pure Fishing is reported to have invested around £40,000 (UK) in revamping the Compleat Angler store and museum.

Botham was welcomed to Pure Fishing UK headquarters by its European Managing Director, Grant Harris, and Sales and Marketing Director UK & Ireland, John Henderson. Henderson: “When planning our opening day at Alnwick, I wanted to get someone very special to come and do the honours for us – I have been lucky enough to be friends with Sir Ian for several years and knowing he is an avid angler who loves and uses the Hardy brand, he was my first choice to ask.

“I was over the moon when he agreed to come along. The day was a huge success with many customers making the trip to watch Sir Ian cut the ribbon as well as to see the new-look store. Sir Ian was also kind enough to stay, sign autographs and have his picture taken with his fans. Another success story was the amount of children there, along with representatives from the national Get Hooked On Fishing initiative which was fantastic to see.”

Source: www.angling-international.com.