A SAILOR who won top prize in a national competition has donated his winnings to a disability charity.

Ian Smith won a voucher worth £1500 towards a set of sails made by one of the world's leading sail makers, Rolly Tasker.

But he decided instead to donate the voucher to Burghfield Sailing Club's Sailability Group, to help more disabled people get out on the water.

The group, which is run by the Royal Yachting Association's Sailability Programme, provides a range of boating experience for anyone aged eight or over and has physical or learning disabilities.

Mr Smith, who helps run the group in Burghfield, said many of the group's members go on to to achieve sailing certificates as well as taking part in the RYA dinghy sailing courses.

"We run evening and weekend sessions which are tailored to the abilities and the aspirations of those taking part," he said.

"To achieve this we have a range of power boats and sailing dinghies which can take people in wheelchairs enabling them to get out and enjoy the water."

John Yates, UK's managing director at Rolly Tasker, said he was delighted the prize was being used for such a charitable cause.

Mr Yates said: "We normally supply sails for larger cruising and racing yachts and imagined this would be where the prize would go, but we were absolutely delighted when we heard that Ian wanted to use them for the club’s Wayfarers and have been delighted to help."

Mr Yates visited the Burghfield club recently to help fit the new sails to the dinghies and saw the sailors, volunteers and the boats all in action.

For more information on joining one of Burghfield’s courses or becoming a volunteer, please contact info@BurghfieldSailability.org.uk or telephone 0118 930 3604.