A TAVISTOCK College student has scooped the OCS Young Sports Person South West award in a prestigious London ceremony.

Saskia Sills, 14, picked up £1,500 in prize money after beating stiff competition – including her twin sister Imogen – to win the regional award after obtaining first place in the U15s World Championships on the Techno Windsurfing circuit.

'I'm very proud of her,' said Imogen, who placed second in the championships. 'We both say without each other we wouldn't be in the position we are because we're both so competitive and try to push each other to go the extra mile and train together as a pair. As we're twins we should work together.'

The sisters travelled to the Brit Oval to take part in the celebratory event with dozens of sporting stars including Ade Adepitan MBE, Iwan Thomas MBE and Rory Underwood MBE.

Saskia said it felt great to pick up the award and receive recognition from people competing in a range of sports.

'I was surprised to win the award,' she continued. 'I've never been nominated for anything like it before but I was put forward by my governing body and, after an interview, I was chosen out of the whole South West.

'I'm going to put the money towards training and kit which will be a real help.'

The twins were influenced to take up windsurfing by their brother Sam, twice world champion, who is sitting A-levels at the college's sixth form. Saskia has also been named Young Windsurfer of the Year and hopes to join the Olympic development squad with her sister.

Principal Helen Salmon said: 'Saskia, Imogen and Sam are dedicated athletes and are highly deserving of the string of accolades and competition wins which come their way as a result of hard work and determination. The college is incredibly proud to educate some of Britain's best young sportspeople who combine high academic achievement with competition at a national and international level in disciplines as diverse as rowing, roller hockey and wheelchair sport.'

Tavistock College recently celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of its £3 million sporting complex which has made elite training facilities available to all students and the local community.