YOUNG sailors from Wharfedale and Aireborough are celebrating winning a clutch of medals.

Months of practice paid off for Otley Sailing Club members when they took part in the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Regional Final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship.

The Otley team's haul at the May 30 event included two gold medals and, in the the 13 to 16 year old category, a clean sweep of the top three positions.

Each participant had to complete a slalom course in a powerful, rigid inflatable boat (RIB), in the fastest time possible without incurring penalties.

Thirty young power-boaters from clubs around the region took part in the competition, which was hosted by Welton Waters Adventure Centre, near Hull.

In the teenage category it was Otley Sailing Club member Ben Rawson, 14, from Rawdon who emerged triumphant.

The Benton Park School student only began sailing at Otley a year ago.

His parents, Paul and Susan Rawson, said: "We bought him a sailing course and membership at Otley for a Christmas present.

"It has been a great success.

"Ben did his RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) course at Otley in March, 2015, and the club has been really supportive.

"The whole team owe a lot to Tony Fellowes, who has been organising the RIB training at Otley."

Ben, who finished the course in one minute 26 seconds, was closely followed by team-mates Rebecca Clarke, from Ilkley, and Hannah Davison, from Silsden, who took silver and bronze medals respectively.

There was further glory for the Otley club in the junior, eight to 12 year old, class where first place went to 12 year old Oliver Scott-Caro, from Ilkley.

The Ilkley Grammar School pupil completed the course in one minute, 35 seconds and will now, along with Ben, compete in the National Finals at Southampton Boat Show in September.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to going to Southampton.

"I did my PB2 course at Otley in March with my mum, Carrie, and I've been a member at Otley for about a year."

Centre manager at Welton Waters Adventure Centre, Pete Blaney, added: "This is the second time we have hosted the event and it is great to see the youngsters enjoying themselves, as well as gaining important boat handling skills

under supervision."

The boats used in the competition can get up to speeds of 25mph.