A Penryn surfer has been crowned a para world champion for the second consecutive year.

Charlotte Banfield, aged 26, won gold in the stand three category at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships at Huntington Beach in California.

She helped Team England to a seventh place finish out of the 32 countries taking part.

Charlotte competing at Huntington Beach with the iconic pier in the background ( )

Charlotte said: “Last year when I won my first world title it was the pinnacle moment.

“I had competed at the world championships for five years before that and never won so it was a moment I was looking forward to.

“It felt like I had achieved everything that I wanted to. Going back this year, I wanted to make sure I enjoyed competing rather than stressing myself out. When I relax, I can surf better.”

Charlotte on the winner's podium ( )

Charlotte, who has cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy, started surfing after being referred to the Wave Project based in Fore Street in Newquay

“I was doing badly in school, and I was suffering from depression because I was being bullied, she said. “I had problems regulating my emotions. I was referred to the Wave Project for a six-week course and I did not like it or enjoy it.

“I did other therapies before that, and they did not go very well. At that point I had lost trust in professionals. The Wave Project was about surf therapy, and I did not want to do it.

“But the Wave Project were very patient with me and never gave up on me. Surfing did change my life. It gave me discipline and motivation. It shaped me into the person I am today. I started to believe in myself, I made friends, and I found my spark again.

“I did not plan on competing but then I decided to take part in a disability surfing competition in 2017 to have a bit of fun.

“I expected to come last but did well and was asked if I wanted to compete in the world championships in six weeks time.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity. I did not expect to do very well but I came second, and it all went from there.”

Charlotte shows off her gold medal with her surf coach Mike Young from Escape Surf School (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

Charlotte has been coached by Mike Young who runs Escape Surf School in Newquay for the past five years. He has helped to take her surfing to the next level.

Charlotte said: “Five years ago I want to improve my surfing, and Mike was recommended to me as being the best surf coach in the area, which I agree with massively.

“He is very patient and gives me time to learn things. We have surfed twice a week for five years.

“My surfing has improved, and I would say I’ve improved as a person. Mike has not only taught me surfing, he has taught me how to be a better person.”

Mike said: “Huge congratulations to Charlotte for winning the world title again.

“We are all so proud of her. Charlotte’s commitment and love of surfing and all the hard work she has put in has paid off again.”

Mike would now like to see para surfing receive more recognition in the surfing industry. He would also like to see Charlotte receive sponsorship to help her compete at the highest level.

Mike said: “Para surfing as a sport is not recognised as much as able-bodied surfing.

“It is difficult for Charlotte to get any sponsorship despite being a double world champion.

“Charlotte is way ahead of her competition, but we are still working on improvements.

“I think for para surfing to increase in popularity it needs to increase its media coverage.”