The one that didn't get away

ALAN Mack just couldn't believe his eyes when he  landed the fish he had caught in the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester.

It was 17lb pike, and he was able to prove it as a passing man took a picture of it on his camera phone, with Alan with the fish in his arms.

The 19 years old told of his catch:

"The bite alarm went off and the rod bent right over the water.   I pulled on it and the fish just jumped straight out of the canal. My heart was in my mouth. I just thought ‘oh my God, I've never seen a fish that big."

He was amazed when he put it on the scales, but was worried that no one would believe him, so was pleased to get a picture before he returned it to the waterway.