A British Olympic squad sailor from the Isle of Wight has been given the use of a dinghy simulator as a training boost, and will act as its ambassador.

Arthur Farley, who is 19 and lives with cancer, will use the kit to build his strength over the winter.

A member of Brading Haven Yacht Club, the young Islander is both a European and national champion.

With the support from the trustees of the Classic Boat Museum Gallery in East Cowes, Arthur is getting free use of the machine.

The museum's managers said it was invented by the Australian Maritime College, to help elite Australian sailors win gold at the Olympics.

Arthur said: "I’ve had a difficult nine months, but free use of the simulator will help me
enormously to build back my strength in a warm safe environment."

The Classic Boat Museum Gallery, in the former Venture Quays building, acquired the simulator last year, thanks to National Lottery funding.

Dr Victoria Preston, the museum's deputy chair, said: "Local schools have been using the simulator to interest pupils in sailing, without them having to get cold and wet!"