FOLLOWING his success at the Laser Radial UK Youth Nationals at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy earlier this year, Dorchester’s Jack Cookson started his summer sailing campaign in style.

The youngster, representing England, competed at the Laser Radial Youth European Championships in Portugal and came away with a bronze medal.

Over six days of sailing in medium to very strong winds and against nearly 200 competitors from across Europe, Cookson achieved his objective of a podium place.

He was exhausted after the event but said: “It’s been really tough out there, the last two days in particular.

“I needed to draw on every ounce of stamina but I’ve loved the experience.”

After competing in France at the EUROSAF Youth European Championships, Cookson will take a few days of well-earned rest.

He will then move on to Kingston, Canada in early August where he will compete against the world’s best in the Laser Radial Youth World Championships.

Cookson is a very talented and committed young sailor who has every chance of extending his run of success this year.

Scotland’s Jamie Calder took gold in Portugal and was almost speechless after clinching first place.

“I just feel fantastic,” he said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It just feels awesome to achieve one of my target goals.

“I think our winter squad this year has been really good. Jack, myself and the other guys have been really pushing forward.”