SWINDON’S Hanna Brant has been named OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year 2015 for the Wales and West region.

The award was made to the 16-year-old sailor at the 2015 OCS Young Sportsperson Awards ceremony at City Hall in London, which was hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan.

Hanna first went sailing with her dad, aged four and after she sailed on her own, her love of racing began. Her dad is the most influential person in her life, driving her and her boat all around the world, as without him nothing would be possible.

The awards give outstanding young athletes recognition and support to help them with the strain of training, travelling and competing. Offering independent recognition and financial assistance at the start of their journey when, more often than not, parents and guardians are the solitary sponsor, makes a huge difference.

Chris Cracknell, CEO of OCS Group International, said: “The OCS YSP Award is more than just another sports award offering sports funding and bursaries to young sports people - we take the opportunity to celebrate with our customers and staff the fantastic achievements of these future sports stars.”