Farnell Land Rover Bury is pledging its support to sailor William Rowland ahead of his competitive season training.

The dealership is helping to fund Rowland’s training and purchased specialist equipment to support his ambitions.

Rowland races in a Laser 4.7 sailing boat and, in addition to representing Lancashire in the National Schools Association competitions, represents Great Britain at international level, most recently at the Laser 4.7 World Championships in Belgium.

Rowland got his sea-legs at just eight-years-old, learning to sail on Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough.

By the time he was 11, William was sailing competitively for Lancashire Schools Sailing Association, before progressing to the Laser 4.7 category in the North West Junior Traveller Series.

Farnell Land Rover’s support complements Land Rover’s national partnership with Ben Ainslie Racing, the 2017 America’s Cup British entry.

Farnell Land Rover Bury’s head of business James Boyd said: “We are delighted to be supporting William as he continues to make waves in the sailing world.

“He is a very talented and impressive young man, who has a bright future ahead of him having already represented his country at such a young age.

“We wish him all the best in the new competitive season and look forward to hearing about his experiences over the coming months.”

Rowland said: “I am very grateful to Farnell Land Rover for its support.

“The sponsorship has greatly improved my chances in competitions, and has allowed me upgrade my boat and equipment, and also receive professional coaching.

“I’m really looking forward to the new competition season, which I hope will be my best yet, thanks to Farnell.”