Keen sailor Emma Phillips, 15, from Newton Abbot will pick up one of youth sailing's most prestigious awards in January.

She'll receive the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) South West Region Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011 – in recognition of her achievements in the sport throughout the year.

Emma, who attends South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, started sailing at Starcross Yacht Club in the club's junior sailing programme.

She then progressed to Topper sailing and was recently selected as a member of the RYA South West Topper Zone Squad in which she has become a pivotal team member.

This year she took part in the Topper Challenge, sailing from Fowey to Plymouth and raising £500, as part of a team who, in total, raised £5,000 for charity.

Emma competed in this year's Topper Nationals and qualified in the Gold Fleet, eventually finishing 32nd overall.

She has now gained a place in the Topper National Squad, and in October won the girls' event at the Topper National Regatta at Poole.

She was nominated not only for her sailing ability and charity work, but also because she achieved all this while her mother was recovering from cancer.

Emma's nomination describes her as an inspiration to many young people in this country and a huge ambassador for the sport of sailing.

'Since I started training a year ago with the zone squad I've had such an amazing time in my Topper,' said Emma.

'I've learned loads, gained so much experience, travelled all over the country, made lots of new friends and got some great results.

'I am currently having a great time training with the National Youth Topper Squad.

'I'm already looking forward to the start of next year's racing season so I can keep on improving and have even more fun.'

She'll go to the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, where she will join 13 other RYA regional award winners from around the UK for a VIP day out and receive her accolade.