Carp released as tribute to drowned angler.
This 18lb mirror is probably unique in Britain – as it is now a 'memorial' fish!

Pictured as it is about to go into Caldecotte Lake in Milton Keynes, it is a living tribute to the late Jake Crawford who, tragically, drowned in the lake almost a year ago.

Then aged 21, the dedicated carp angler rated Caldecotte among his favourite venues – and it was his regular fishing mate, Warren Lawson, who came up with the idea of adding a fish in his memory. Warren (in the green shirt), Jake's dad Howard, his mum Jackie and sister Emma are pictured holding the fish, surrounded by family members, workmates, fishing colleagues and postal workers from Newport Pagnell, who all contributed towards buying of the carp.

In a moving, but surprisingly cheerful, ceremony the fish was admired by all and then carefully released, swimming away strongly. Selected for its distinctive markings, it has a cluster of pale gold scales on its left shoulder under the middle of its dorsal fin.

Howard said: "We hope anglers will catch it in years to come, see that marking, think of Jake, and let us know his memory is alive and well."

Jackie added: "We'd like to thank everyone who donated in memory of Jake."