A KEEN fisherman has become the stuff of legend after he snared the elusive “Beast of Billericay”..... a giant catfish.
 

For decades hundreds of anglers had attempted to net the almost mythical giant fish, with some even doubting its existence.
 

Many fishermen at Lake Meadows in Billericay had claimed to have seen the giant specimen and some even tried to land it, but the big beast had too often snapped their lines.
 

But now, finally, Pete Hudd, 26, has managed to bring the beast from beneath the waters at the popular park.
 

The fishermen was left speechless after seeing the sheer size of the catfish which weighed in at an amazing 50lb 4oz and, incredibly, was as long as Pete who is 6ft 2ins tall.

*Full story and pictures in Friday's Echo