A CHADDESLEY Corbett dinghy sailor has navigated his way into the top 10 listings of a national web-guide following his revamp of his sailing club's website. Website designer Rod Fox.

Rod Fox, who works as a pilot for Britannia Airways, was all at sea when he offered to design and maintain Chelmarsh Sailing Club's website, knowing nothing of web design and programming.

However, two years of hard work have landed him a top nine placing in It's On the Net magazine's sports-sailing category, which described it in March as "packed with information, results and more", as well as a commendation from South Staffordshire Water.

Rod, who is a keen member of the club, at Chelmarsh Reservoir, between Bridgnorth and Highley, said: "I only just moved the site to its new www.chelmarshsailing.org.uk address, so I didn't really expect many people to know about it.

"Taking time to really learn programming proved the key, along with asking experts loads of questions along the way."

He added: "It's especially rewarding to know I can distribute bang up to the minute information during foot and mouth outbreaks."

Alex Moss, water resources and environment manager for South Staffordshire Water, said: " We are very pleased with the club's approach and the Internet has played a central role in keeping its members informed."

Club press officer Jonathan Carter, of Stourport, said the website was like an on-line newspaper, offering information including regular updates on racing results, boat categories, forthcoming social events and activities, as well as details of boats for sale.

He added the website had helped boost the profile of the club. It has 400 members of all ages and a catchment area including Worcestershire, Shropshire and the West Midlands.

Members include current World Laser Masters Champion Keith Wilkins.

Rod added he wanted to continue to develop his design skills while keeping members informed about the latest news including foot and mouth outbreaks, special training events and forthcoming "taster" days at the club in July and September.