YOU can’t teach an old dog new tricks, so the old saying goes.

But try telling that to Colin Purvey, who has just discovered the joys of fly fishing at the age of 65.

Mr Purvey, of George Moore Close, Oxford, says he had a “revelation” after heading along to a free lesson at Farmoor Reservoir which he read about in the Oxford Mail.

Despite having fished for more than 50 years, it was his first go at fly fishing.

The Environment Agency, Thames Water, Oxfordshire Association of Young People (OAYP) and the Angling Development Board are supporting the scheme, aimed at shaking off the sport’s old-fashioned image.

Mr Purvey said he has already spent more than £200 buying all the kit.

He said: “I had an absolutely brilliant day. Everyone was so helpful.

“I can’t believe I have been fishing for so long but never tried my arm at fly fishing. It was great fun.

“I can’t wait to get back up there and start doing it more and more. I’ve had a bit of a revelation.”

Rainbow and brown trout are the most prevalent fish in the reservoir, which spans about 400 acres.

The location is especially significant to Mr Purvey, who was part of the team that built it in the 1960s.

He said: “It was the first time I’ve seen the full extent of the reservoir and I couldn’t believe how big it was.

“I was working for Reading Concrete in the 1960s and we actually helped build it, so it is great to be able to go and enjoy it in its present state.”

Mr Purvey said he was impressed by the turnout for the lessons.

He said: “It was great to see how many people of all ages headed along. It seems to be a sport that anyone can enjoy.”

For years, fly fishing has been seen as an expensive sport for those who could afford the equipment and had access to private lakes.

A Yellow Pages advert in the early 1980s lampooned the sport and made a household name out of the fictional star, JR Hartley.

These days, however, increasing numbers of reservoirs and lakes are opening up to the public.

Environment Agency spokesman David Ferguson said: “We’re delighted that Mr Purvey had such an enjoyable day and has discovered the joys of fly fishing.

“It’s great to see people taking up these lessons.”

For more information about fishing at Farmoor Reservoir, visit environment-agency.gov.uk/fish