A BISHOP Perowne College pupil is creating a storm in his Laser sailing boat.

William Lockett, a year 10 pupil at the Worcester school, has achieved Great Britain recognition.

The 15-year-old will represent Team GB at the Laser 4.7 European Championships in Workum, Holland, in July.

He took part in a regatta at the venue to become more accustomed to the lay-out.

But Lockett was unable to go to the world championships in San Francisco this year due to equipment failure.

The Droitwich Spa teenager sails the oldest boat in the fleet and it let him down at a crucial point so he missed three vital races. He is balancing training with revision for exams — he aims to be a yacht designer.

Lockett did his first sailing training session six years ago but did not compete until he was 10.

He was selected for the west zone optimist squad — sailing’s equivalent to the county training squad.

Lockett graduated through the squads to become a member of the national set-up before growing too big for his boat.

He competed in national selection trials and competitions before progressing to a Laser class boat.

During his first competition with the new boat last year, he qualified for the Laser 4.7 European Championships in France as well as the national summer and winter squads.

In his first national contest in the Laser, he was fifth overall and the fourth British entrant.

The dedicated sailor aims to break into the Olympic development squad but needs sponsorship to progress.

A new boat is out of the question at the moment due to limited funds.

Any companies that can assist are asked to contact beverley.lockett@virgin.net.