SAILSOLENT can today reveal the first member of Great Britain’s Olympic sailing squad to be named ahead of the London 2012 Games.

No, it’s not gold medallists Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy or Paul Goodison – it’s Felix the Falcon.

Felix, a peregrine falcon, has been brought in to help scare off seagulls at Skandia Team GBR’s base at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The seagulls’ early morning squawking had been interrupting the sailors’ much needed sleep.

Olympic team manager Stephen Park said: “Seagulls are a natural part of the seaside environment but the sheer quantity of them around our accommodation block is a problem for us. Felix will have his work cut out to ensure the sailors’ sleep isn't disturbed. If he does his job well, his place on the team is assured.”