A SAILOR from the tiny hamlet of Kiln Pit Hill has been crowned the North-East's champion powerboater for the second year running.

Peter Owen (15), a member of Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, retained the regional Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship in the 13 to 16 year group with a great display in the final at Otley last weekend.

Having won the title last year, he returned to knock five seconds off his winning time and completed the course in an excellent time of one minute and two seconds to finish nine seconds ahead of last year's Yorkshire champion Ben Rawson. Derwent teammate Emily Toman (14) was third in 1:21.

Peter is well on course to match the achievements of fellow Derwent powerboater Ollie Pirt who was crowned national champion in 2015, earning his club a fabulous RIB and Honda engine.

To be crowned area champion, he had to finish ahead of tough competition from clubs across the North-East and Yorkshire to earn his place in the national final at Southampton Boat Show, on September 25.

The teenager is on for a double as he currently tops the North East Youth Travellers Series, which concludes with the final instalment at Scaling Dam Sailing Club on Saturday.