A TALENTED young sailor is on a quest for Olympic glory as he continues to make waves in the sport.

David Carpenter, from Greenmount, took up sailing seriously just four years ago and regularly trains at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury.

The 13-year-old St Gabriel's High School pupil is already a member of the National Junior Squad and is now being considered as an under-age member of the Youth Squad sailing a Laser Radial, the newly-adopted Olympic ladies single-hander and only one category away from the full-rig boat.

Coach Dave Cockerill said: "David is very much a prospect. He has already won national championship races, competing against adults and was at least a year younger than other members of my squad. He was instantly successful in the Laser 4.7 class and there is every prospect that he will eventually compete in the Olympics."

David's sailing talent runs in the family with parents Peter and Mary and 12-year-old sister Anna members of Elton Sailing Club in Bury.

Dave added: "People don't appreciate how hard these youngsters work, competing and training every weekend and maintaining a high level of fitness. Their parents are very supportive too and invest a great deal of money in equipment and coaching. This is one sport where Great Britain really excels so young sailors like David are among the world's best."