A YOUNG sailor has been awarded a new boat as part of a national scheme helping talented racers to progress in the sport.

Erin Tinkler is one of 11 aspiring sailors and windsurfers from across the UK to be given exclusive use of their own boat or board for two years, thanks to a partnership between the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Royal Yachting Association's (RYA) OnBoard scheme for young people.

After that time the boat will be given to Scaling Dam Sailing Club near Whitby, where Erin sails, so that other youngsters can continue to benefit from it in the future.

The 12-year-old from Thorpe Thewles, near Stockton, was chosen from hundreds of applications for the award in recognition of her enthusiasm and commitment.

The Teesside High School pupil was previously sailing a much-loved old Optimist dinghy originally owned by her sailing hero Ben Saxton – who represented Great Britain at the Rio Olympics – but was desperate to upgrade.

Erin, who has been training hard over winter as part of the RYA north zone squad, said: "I love my old Optimist but it is 22 years old and slow against the other boats. I've sailed the new one twice and think it's really amazing I've got it – it's really fast."

Erin's father Mark said his daughter's results have already improved since getting the new boat.

He said his daughter is "fanatical" about sailing, adding: "She loves heavy weather and the only time we argue over sailing is when I say it is too windy for any sailing at the club."

Matt Jackson, youth and junior coordinator at Scaling Dam Sailing Club, said Erin has a "genuine love of sailing".

To learn more about RYA OnBoard go to www.rya.org.uk/onboard or find out more about Scaling Dam Sailing Club visit www.scalingdam.org