THE first quadriplegic person to sail solo around Britain has died at the age of 46.

Hilary Lister, who studied ay Oxford University in the 90s, became famous after she used the "sip-and-puff" system for steering and controlling a yacht's sails.

Ms Lister, who was paralysed from the neck down, was also the first quadriplegic to sail across the English Channel in 2005 and then the first female quadriplegic to sail around the Isle of Wight in 2007.

She went went on to sail solo around Britain in 2009.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) judged that the feat put her in the top four sailors in the world.

Announcing her death, a post on her website says: "It is with deep regret that Hilary's Dream Trust announces the passing of its founder - Hilary Lister - an inspiration to many, a recipient of many accolades and a record holder of many sailing achievements."

Ms Lister, from Canterbury, Kent, was born able-bodied but suffered from the degenerative condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which meant she used a wheelchair from the age of 15.

She went on to study biochemistry at Jesus College, Oxford, between 1991 and 1995 but during her studies her condition worsened and she became paralysed from the neck down at the age of 27.

Ms Lister started sailing with Westbere Sailing Opportunities in Canterbury in 2003, and said: "Within 30 seconds of being in a boat I was in love."

Her charity, Hilary's Dream Trust, supports disabled and disadvantaged men and women in taking up the sport of sailing.