APPLETON'S Olympic sailing hope Andrew Brown has returned from Italy as a world champion.

The 14-year-old fended off competition from 159 rivals, including his mother and other adults, to win the Ronstan Topper World Championship on Lake Garda.

Andrew, a pupil at The Grange School in Northwich, won the final race in his single-handed dinghy to clinch the title in dramatic style.

After five days of non-stop action his second win of the finals series allowed him to sneak past overnight leader and fellow countryman Bleddyn Mon, winning the title on count-back after finishing level on points.

Andrew, who is a member of Budworth Sailing Club, also won two races during the first two days of qualifying in Malsecine.

His father Harry is delighted with the success and said: "This is the best result of Andrew's career so far. He's done phenomenally well and is a Royal Yachting Association target for the 2012 Olympics in London."

Andrew, who competes or trains every weekend and maintains his fitness on a rowing machine, in circuit training and climbing, is hoping for more success in the Great Britain Series in which he is lying second after three events with three more to come.

Sailing is a family affair for the Browns, with Andrew's mother Susan finishing 56th in Italy.

Eldest son Stewart, aged 16, was 22nd in his laser at the Great Britain Youth Nationals in Weymouth earlier this year, while father Harry, who has previously competed in the World Masters, now spends his spare time providing sailing support to his family.