POOLE’S Millie Aldridge is set to go head-to-head with the best on the planet when she represents Great Britain at the Youth Sailing World Championship.

The 17-year-old, from Parkstone Sailing Club, is part of the 14-strong British contingent set to compete at the showpiece event in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Aldridge will line up in the girls’ 29er fleet alongside her sailing partner Freya Black from Cranbrook in Kent.

By taking part at the Youth Worlds, Aldridge will be following in the footsteps of some of sailing’s biggest stars.

Previous competitors include the world’s most decorated Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie.

There have also been previous appearances from 2008 Beijing gold medallists Pippa Wilson and Sarah Ayton, and America’s Cup sailors Iain Percy and Chris Draper.

Aldridge earned her place in the British squad after sealing success at the Youth National Championships in March.

Racing at the event begins on Monday and will run until Friday.