A HAMPSHIRE teenager will be riding on the crest of a wave after being given the opportunity to crew on one of the most famous boats in British maritime history.

Daniel Elvin, 16, had less than a week to prepare for his big adventure aboard Gipsy Moth IV, that will see him sail from Tahiti to Bora Bora as part of its current circumnavigation of the globe.

Daniel, from Eastleigh, was picked to go on the trip that was offering places to young people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have learning difficulties or who have battled illness.

The teenager was taken into the care of Southampton City Council social services at the age of six and spent a number of years between foster and care homes.

He was then placed with foster carers in Bishopstoke three years ago and has since then enjoyed a stable home life which has seen him fulfil his potential, culminating this week with an acceptance to Eastleigh College to study carpentry.

The St George's School pupil, who this year sits his GCSEs, was nominated to go on one of the legs of the world sailing trip by children's charity Barnardo's with whom he has been volunteering since the age of nine.