There was sensational news at the Gravesend Sole Challenge on Sunday when a Bonito tuna was brought to the weigh-in.

A rarity in our waters, the for-tuna-te catch was found in the tideline at the sea school stretch and was caught by Peter Dartnell, who scooped the near-4lb Bonito up with his hands.

The hunt for soles by 88 competitors was keenly-contested, with the winner being Lee Collins from Gillingham with three soles for 91cm, earning him £260.

Collins’ son, Kaiden, won this event last year, so it was a unique double for the family.

Runner-up was Tim Fagg from Deal with two soles for 56cm, winning £120.

Best overall catch fell to Paul Phillips, from Portsmouth, who landed two flounders, eel and a sole for 119cm and won £100 to make his journey worthwhile.

Best roundfish was an eel of 1.3lb by local Jamie Harrington, while best flatfish was a 1.5lb sole by Collins, both winning £140 for their efforts.

James Slater, 12, was the top junior, winning a new rod and reel plus a trophy for his two soles at 44cm. Runners-up were Ben Cloke and Charlie Cross, both catching one sole each at 23cm.

The ladies’ prize went to Glynis Jones for her single flounder of 23cm. Zone prize winners were Ray Jeffery, David Byatt, Tony Flack and Peter Josh. All received £100.

Fish caught were 34 soles, 22 flounders, 18 eels and three whiting, with the Bonito not allowed as it was a rod-and-line event only.