MODEL yachting takes centre stage at West Kirby next week when the International One Metre World Championship takes place on the Marine Lake.

An added bonus will be the presence on Tuesday of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who has been patron of the Model Yachting Association since 1952.

West Kirby Sailing Club hosts the Championship.

Commodore Chris Riley said: "It is a great honour to welcome Prince Phillip and we are thrilled to be involved in the event".

The sailing will be contested by 76 of the world's best radio sailing skippers. Mote than 20 countries will be represented.

Croation Zvonko Jelacic will be defending his title but former champion Martin Roberts from Birkenhead will be determined to mount a big challenge for honours.

The opening ceremony will be this Saturday, May 28, and six days of competition will conclude the following Saturday, June 4.

All that is now required is favourable weather to ensure the best possible competition.