DION Macfayden beat a 420-strong field to take top spot at the Kent Classic beach open.

The angler from South Benfleet was up against rivals from all over England and Wales.

But he won the event for the first time to add to the two thirds he has notched up over the years, and also took the pairs trophy alongside his son Marley.

Macfayden landed more than 50 fish and brought back 13 whiting to the scales for 2.194kg.

“I have had two third places and zone wins in the past, and won the pairs trophy with Mick Capp around 12 years ago,” said Macfayden.

“But it was great to fantastic the event and to clean up by also winning the pairs trophy with Marley.”

Macfayden admitted he did not expect to do well after drawing a peg in the higher numbers.

But with the wind changing to a north-easterly, the water got some colour in it and Macfayden enjoyed good sport on the flood tide.

Fishing slowed on the ebb but he had already caught sufficient to clinch top spot.

Rochford angler Lewis Clark took third place with 14 fish for 2kg and also took the prize for most fish caught. There was a zone win for Benfleet’s Ian Reynolds, with Westcliff’s Martin Grossman taking a third-place zone prize.

Macfayden followed up his Kent success with a second place in the Havenheath AC London Rover Open on Sunday. Dave Elms from Crawley won top spot with a 39cm 1lb 11oz flounder.

Macfayden caught 12 flounders and five smelt for 6lb 8oz for the best bag, with his fish all falling to white rag bait on light tackle.

A total of 191 anglers fished the event.