SCHOOLBOY sailor Seb Clover was honoured by members of the Isle of Wight Council this week.

The 16-year-old Ryde School pupil was presented with a certificate celebrating his achievements as well as a book on The Solent signed by the Island's coastal manager, Robin McInnes.

Seb was presented with the awards by the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council Heather Humby at a special ceremony before the authority met on Wednesday.

He accepted the awards accompanied by his father Ian and his mother Delores to a round of applause from council members.

Seb became the youngest person to complete a solo transatlantic crossing 12 days ago when he was still 15 years old.

He completed the 2,700-mile journey from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua in 24 days.

Also taking part in the race was Seb's sailing instructor father Ian, 46, who completed the voyage ahead of his son.

The pair raced in identical 32ft Contessa Class sloops - Seb in a yacht called Reflection and Ian in Xixia.

Seb, of Cambridge Road, East Cowes, returned to a hero's welcome from his friends at the school where he is currently studying for his GCSEs.

He has also appeared on the BBC's Blue Peter programme this week where he was presented with a gold Blue Peter badge - the programme's highest honour.

Making the presentation to Seb at Wednesday's meeting, Cllr Humby said: "For any yachtsman to single handedly take on all the gruelling challenges of an ocean is a truly magnificant achievement. For someone to do it at such a young age is quite extraordinary.

"It's not surprising that his feat has been recognised with extensive coverage in the international, national and local media. And this week he was even interviewed for BBC's Blue Peter programme. What a wonderful role model he makes for all youngsters today."

She added: "I have not the slightest doubt we will hear more of Seb in the future. Indeed, hardly had he set foot in Antigua when he was reported to have talked about sailing alone around the world."

Seb said: "I would like to thank everyone. When I arrived in England I did not expect anything as much as this.

"I was quite overwhelmed when I saw all my friends at Fishbourne and the chairman of the council.

"I would just like to say thank you very much."