BEN McElroy, a 13-year-old student at Holyrood Academy, has been selected for a second season in the Royal Yachting Association’s South West Topper Zone Squad after a successful 2014.

He won the Topper 4.2 national series, finished eighth at the 2014 GBR 4.2 Summer Championships and came tenth in the World 4.2 Championships at Pwllheli in Wales.

His main target for 2015 is the World Championships at Lake Garda in Italy.

The RYA squads exist to create competitors for RYA Team GBR and offer eligible young sailors an opportunity to develop skills through world class coaching and support.

Ben is supported in his racing by Virtual Rigger, the RYA, UK Sport & Sport England and 1610 in Chard.