A RADCLIFFE grandfather is celebrating after his grandson took first prize in an Australian sailing competition.

Andrew Crossley (19) emigrated from Tottington to Adelaide, with his parents Beverly and Peter, two and a half years ago.

The keen sailor, formerly of Stockton Drive, joined Elton Sailing Club when he was just ten, and the skills he picked up there helped him to take the junior prize in the Australian Open Junior Championship.

The former Tottington High School and Holy Cross College student had to tackle a nine-day sail across Brisbane Water at Gosford, near Sydney, between December 27 and January 5.

Andrews grandfather Mr Francis Wild, of Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, said he was thrilled with his triumph.

He said: "We are all so proud of him. He sailed when he lived over here, and carried on the hobby when he moved and joined Adelaide Sailing Club. But we were over the moon when we heard the news. His mother rang and told us as soon as they found out."