Pool House Farm, near the world famous Belfry Golf Club between Coleshill and Tamworth to the north of Birmingham, bears out the saying that size isn't everything.

Despite covering just an acre, Pool House Farm is a very attractive fishery which offers a variety of pegs and swims.

All fishing is from purpose-made landing stages and all pegs have a feature to fish to, whether it be a lush bed of water lilies or weeded margin.

A 300-year-old former clay pit about three minutes drive from Junction 9 of the M42 motorway, it was dug to provide building material for nearby Middleton village about a mile away and was originally two separate pools with a bank which ran across from what is now Peg 3 to Peg 15.

About 30 years ago the outlet of the pool was filled in.

This raised the water levels and resulted in the two pools merging into one, although the former embankment which divided the two waters can still be found running across the pool about two - and - a - half feet under the surface - a favourite haunt for carp in warmer weather.

Current owner Cedric Heys said that when he took over the pool 30 years ago it was unfishable, having been allowed to go stagnant, overgrown and covered in duckweed.

He then set about making it possible to walk all the way round the pool, creating pathways of motorway planings around the top end and constructing a wooden walkway round part of the pool which would have otherwise been inaccessible.

Much of the work was done by hand using spade and wheelbarrow.

The result is a delightful pool which holds some 22 anglers on well - spaced pegs.

Although the left hand bank as you approach the water from the nearby car park has well maintained grassy banks and reed lined fringes, much of the remainder of the pool is backed by trees and mature shrubs.

All pegs are easy to fish from and most are suitable for disabled anglers if they visit the pool with someone else.

Because it is only a small water, Pool House Farm is closed throughout November, December, January and February and re-opens at the beginning of March.

This gives the fish a rest during winter and prevents them from becoming stressed by over fishing.

Although there are no facilities to speak of, there is an ample sized car park about 25 yards from the pool.

Anglers should obtain a ticket from the farmhouse before setting up to fish.

With 22 well spaced pegs the fishery is available for match fishing.

Prices vary depending on the start time with a maximum of five hours per match.

Matches can start at 7am.

All fish can be retained during matches but every angler must have two keepnets.

Please telephone for prices.