A FISHERMAN was shocked to find a "Jungle"-style camp by the River Croal when he returned for the trout season.

David Bendle, 29, found an encampment of tents with piles of rubbish and shopping trollies nearby.

After chatting with a passing runner he discovered the tents had been by the river for "months".

Mr Bendle, a retail manager, said: "I was fishing when I came across it. They were just milling about this camp like some kind of survival episode on Channel 4.

"It looks like the Calais jungle on a miniature scale.

"I don't get how they have not been moved on.

"It's clear they have been there a while."

The camp is along the cycle path of the River Croal between Bolton and Lostock, where Mr Bendle fishes during the season. He had been worried the campers were poaching.

Bolton Council has been in contact with the people camping on the land and has offered them support to get into house.

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A spokesman for Bolton Council said:

“We are aware of a small encampment off Blackshaw Lane near the River Croal.

“Our outreach teams are in regular contact to offer support to those using the site, including help finding accommodation.”

Mr Bendle said: "Looking at the stuff there, there's piping, electrical goods and handbags. They could be mugging people, I don't know.

Mr Bendle first found the camp on Monday, he said: "I tried to cut through it and they were wondering what I was doing. I got out of there and they headed towards the town centre.

"I fished the River Tonge last year and people were setting up a camp there."

Mr Bendle carries a video camera with him for safety when fishing for his own safety, he said you never know what could happen while you're out on your own in the woods.

He captured a video of the camp after the occupants had left. It shows two areas where tents have been set up by the side of the river along with piles of belongings and detritus.

Clothes and sleeping bags can be seen hanging from trees as well as coathangers.

Broken chairs make up some of the scattered items and a make-shift brazier by the river.

The Bolton News understands the people in the camp have been told to keep the area tidy but legal action to move them off the public land has not been taken.