An American professor who has completed the most comprehensive study to be carried out on nervous systems and responses of fish claims to have proved that fish do not feel pain.

The study, published this week, is the work of Professor James Rose, a 60-year-old professor of zoology and physiology at the University of Wyoming.

He said: "We compared the nervous systems and responses of fish and found that their brain is not sufficiently developed to allow them to sense pain or fear. The awareness of pain depends on functions of regions of the cerebral cortex which fish do not possess."

The results of the study represent a set-back for anti-angling groups like the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who boast they have £2million to spend to see that angling is banned in the UK.

Ken Ball, president of the National Angling Federation, said: "Although the study has only confirmed what we all know, it is a great victory for the sport in the sense that the animal rights activists must now look elsewhere.

"Our victory is a knockout blow for the American branch of PETA, who must accept these findings as conclusive proof that fish do not feel pain."

Bob Clark, NFA membership services manager, said: "At last the sport has got the up-to-date scientific support it needed. All anglers know that fish don't feel pain but many people out there need convincing.

"I can see this study resulting in thousands of people taking up the sport and many commenta-tors, who have previously had their doubts about angling, changing sides and giving us the publicity the sport deserves."

The study will be interesting news to potential sponsors who have previously had mixed feelings about putting their brand name behind the sport.

Martin Salter MP, the Parliamen-tary spokesman for angling, said: "This report is terrific. It will help nail the lie that fish feel pain."

Updated: 11:13 Friday, April 18, 2003