Young Devon sailor heads to world championships

Eloise Smith (r) and Ollie Laker (l) said to compete would be an honour

A sailor from Devon is among 14 young Britons selected to compete at the Youth Sailing World Championships.

Eloise Smith from Bovey Tracey, is in training for the "youth Olympics of sailing", the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) said.

Past competitors include sailing greats Sir Ben Ainslie and Hannah Mills OBE.

Due to compete with team mate Ollie Laker, Miss Smith said: "We (both) can't wait, we are both very excited to get to Garda."

"It is an honour to represent the GBR Nacra 15 fleet in Lake Garda.

"A lot of hard work has gone in, so we are very pleased to be selected to go to the youth worlds."

Eloise Smith and Ollie Laker are among 14 young Britons heading to the event

Miss Smith, 17, a member of Starcross Yacht Club, was selected as the GB representative alongside Hampshire team mate Mr Laker in the mixed multihull event in the GBR Nacra 15 fleet.

Miss Smith finished as the top under-19 at the RYA Youth National Championships earlier this month.

She will compete at this event alongside competitors from more than 70 countries, the RYA said, showcasing the skills of the "next generation of champion sailors".

The event will take place on Lake Garda from 13-20 July.