YORK teenager Ellie Clark has a bright future in the world of sailing after being named the Royal Yachting Association's North East Youth Champion.

The award, which was presented in London, is given to a young sailor who has a proven track record in dinghy racing.

Clark, still only 15, joined nine other Regional Youth Champions at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace and was presented with her award by Helena Lucas, Paralympic Sailing Gold Medallist.

A member of Ripon Sailing Club, Clark is also the RS Tera Sport 2016 Northern Champion and won the Europe Nationals 2016 Youth Award this year. She has also been selected for the RS200 Youth Training Squad.

"I'm really honoured to have been chosen as RYA Youth Champion for my region," she said. "I had an amazing year on the water and to have been recognised for my results is really special.

"I’d like to thank my friends, crew and parents who take me to all the events for supporting my sailing."

Clark, who is currently studying for her GCSEs at Manor Church of England Academy in York, was nominated for the RYA North East Youth Champion Award by Fiona Spence, Ripon Sailing Club’s youth and junior secretary.

"The quality and consistency of Ellie's sailing has improved significantly in the last few years and is a direct result of her efforts to make best use of the training sessions and competitive events she has attended," said Spence.

"I am particularly pleased to see her enjoying sailing a wide range of boats, both single and double handed," she added. "This not only increases her enjoyment of the sport but leads to greater awareness and reinforces her capabilities."

Ian Smith, the chairman of the RYA North East region, said: "Ellie’s achievements show that she is an excellent sailor, often out competing against much older rivals in very testing conditions.

"She is also putting something back into the sport by supporting the training of the next generation as a role model and by actively engaging with their training and development."

Anyone interested in joining the RYA should visit www.rya.org.uk, phone 02380 604159, or email member.services@rya.org.uk