Ash's Richard Thomas has been recognised as the Royal Yachting Association’s South East Region Young Sailor of the Year.

Thomas, 18, who lives in Sandwich Road, has enjoyed a successful year, highlighted by winning the Laser Radial class against 60 other competitors at the National Schools Sailing Regatta at Datchet in Berkshire in July.

Now a first-year student at Oxford University, Thomas represented Kent at the championships after winning the overall county schools title earlier in the year.

The youngster, who is a member at Broadstairs SC, received his award during the London Boat Show.

Picture: Richard Thomas, winner of the South East regional award for YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year, is presented with his trophy by Lucy Macgregor, women’s world match racing champion

Picture courtesy of onEdition