Nearly 30 children aged seven to 16 from Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club took part in an end of season sailing competition at the Jackson Dock, Hartlepool Marina, no doubt inspired by Great Britain's Olympic sailors.

The day started with a heavy mist on the water which gave way to variable and testing conditions. By the end of the last race the moderate winds had fallen away to very light conditions with boats drifting around the course.

The last race was not without incident when, after a collision just before the finish, Robert Moore was awarded the overall Topper dinghy championship and received the Bentley Trophy.

June Boagey, sailing instructor at Tees and Hartlepool Yacht club, has been encouraged by the progress of the youngsters, even tipping some to emulate Great Britain's Olympic competitors.

"Despite some children having only started sailing this season, everyone sailed to a very high standard," she said. "We are very proud of them.

"Local club sailing is where all of our Olympic sailors started and I think we have some future Olympic sailors in Hartlepool."

Results: Overall Topper champion: Bentley Trophy, Robert Moore, aged 13.

Age 16 and under Topper dinghies: 1 Michael Early, 2 Matthew Sell, 3 Richard Hastings. Aged 13 and under Topper dinghies: 1 Matthew Pounder, 2 Luke Austin, 3 Robert Moore. 10 years and under Zephyre dinghies: 1 Tom Kitchen, 2 Suzanne Kitchen, 3 James Morrison. 10 years and under Topper dinghy: 1 Sean Eddy, 2 Bethan Jones. Novice Race - Toppers: 1 Gareth Eddy, 2 Tom Cook, 2 Christopher Bentley.

l The Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club has a policy of introducing school children as young as seven to sailing and other water sports, whatever their background.

The club was built with help from the Lottery Commission and over several years the club has given numerous children the opportunity to learn all about sailing, working in conjunction with local schools and universities. The club offers dinghy sailing for school children most weeks during the summer.