SURFING the open waves is already a champion way of life for a Saltburn boy.

Evan Rogers, 11, travelled to North Devon for the British Billabong Surfing Championships and came back with the winner's trophy.

Evan beat competition from surfers from across the country to win the under-12 Grommet category.

"He's so enthusiastic," said his proud dad and long-time surfer Gary. "He's been surfing standing up for four years already and he's been in the sea for two years before that. We often go out together and it's great fun."

Mr Rogers said Evan, who has just started Huntcliff Secondary School, scored a double victory in last year's North-East championships in Saltburn when he won both the under-16 and under-14 categories.