For some, there is nothing more boring than sitting by a river for hours on end with a rod, waiting for that elusive fish to take a bite.

For others, fishing is bliss - a time of relaxation, away from the rat race, with the occasional joy of getting a catch.

Oxford City Council, the Environment Agency and the police are hoping that many of our young people will fall into the second category.

A lifelong angler has been appointed to spread the word and encourage youngsters aged 10 to 19 to take up the sport.

The target audience are those from the city's estates, who might otherwise spend their time hanging aimlessly around street corners doing nothing and possibly getting into trouble.

The Oxford project follows one in Reading in which 700 young people took part.

We all know that the summer holidays are the time when youngsters are more likely than ever to be involved in antisocial behaviour.

Fine weather and long, hot evenings increase the temptation to misbehave.

In the old days, of course, children would make their own entertainment, and wouldn't have dreamed of expecting everything to be laid on a plate for them.

But we are living in a different age, when some young people need positive guidance.

If angling achieves that, society will be the winner.