SAILING instructor Peter Haigh is on the crest of a wave after being presented with a top award.

It was handed over by Sarah Webb, one of the sailors who won an Olympic gold medal in Athens.

Mr Haigh, from Stainland, was nominated for the Royal Yachting Association Community Award by its Yorkshire and Humberside region, to mark his outstanding contribution to the sport.

He was the only recipient from the region this year.

Mr Haigh and wife Susan were invited to Church House in Westminster, London, to a lunch and presentation ceremony.

He received a commemorative medallion and a certificate signed by The Princess Royal, the association president.

Mr Haigh is the principal of Huddersfield Scout Sailing, based at Scammonden Water. He has been teaching Scouts to sail for over 30 years.

The centre is an association teaching centre, introducing and training Scouts, Guides and other young people in the basics of sailing.

It is the largest voluntarily- run sailing centre in the UK, with 37 dinghies and a large team of highly qualified instructors.

The princess visited the centre this year and met sailing instructors and many young people.

"It's a great honour to be presented with this award," said Mr Haigh.

"But really it should have been a team award."