Manx teenager wins 'Trainee Fisherman of the Year' award

17-year-old Isla Gale 'overwhelmed but very happy'

A Manx teenager has won the 'Trainee Fisherman of the Year' at the annual Fishing News Awards.

At the awards ceremony last night - described as the only event dedicated to recognising achievement, innovation and success in the UK and Irish commercial fishing industry - 17-year-old Isla Gale came top out of the shortlist of five nominees.

Isla started fishing with her father, who runs Mackerel Mann, when she was just 12-years-old.

When nominated back in March, she told Manx Radio that she had her sights set on becoming the first female Manx skipper of a queenie boat and hoped her nomination would inspire more women to join the fishing industry.

In a post on the Mackerel Man Facebook page her parents say they couldn't be more proud adding that it's 'great to see her hard work recognised by the industry'.