WYRE Forest sailing sensation Alison Young has completed her progression from the Royal Yachting Association to the Olympic Development Squad.

It moves her closer to her ambition of representing Great Britain at the 2012 London games.Young has also started her racing season by qualifying for the Skandia Team GBR which will compete in the World Female Laser Championships in Los Angeles in August.

She won a call-up for the team after three qualifying events, finishing fifth overall at Stokes Bay, 10th at Swanage and a disappointing 55th at Pwllheli.

There was a reduced number of races in each event because of adverse weather including fog.

After the qualifiers Young, who is sponsored by Severn Trent Water and receives lottery funding, was ranked third overall and second female.

Young continued her fine form with 34th place in her first overseas event as a senior, the Princess Sofia Regatta, in Palma, where she sailed a consistent series against some of the top women sailors in the world.

This event was followed by the Holland Regatta where she achieved five top 10 finishes in 11 races to finish in 13th place overall.

Young is now in Riccione, Italy, preparing to compete in the European and Open Women's Championships where she will again compete with the top women in the world.