A TRIO of Wiltshire teenagers have visited Buckingham Palace to have their efforts in the St John Ambulance recognised.

Cadets Natalie Bracey and Gerry Clifton received high praise from The Princess Royal on March 12.

The Princess Royal, who is Commandant in Chief, Ambulance and Nursing Cadets, congratulated the two on gaining their Grand Prior Award, the highest award a cadet can achieve.

Gerry, 15, from Melksham, and Natalie, 16, from Bradford on Avon, received the award for completing three years of sustained effort studying 24 different subjects from communications and working in the community to the history of the St John Ambulance.

Each subject covers a range of activities such as games, project work, role-playing and debates.

Wiltshire's county cadet of the year, Kaiya Beuchel, who lives in Chippenham and is a member of the Melksham division, was also at the reception and introduced to The Princess Royal.

Jack Andrews, cadet officer at St John Ambulance's Melksham division, said: "Gerry is very good with the younger cadets and always willing to help when needed.

"It is quite humbling to know that St John has helped this young man attain such a high achievement."

Emma Parsons, divisional superintendent at St John Ambulance's Bradford on Avon division, said: "Natalie is a brilliant young lady who works very well with the younger cadets, helping with their training. She is a valued asset to our division."

Approximately 120 cadets were invited to the palace to represent St John Ambulance Cadets from across the country.

Only two Grand Prior Award winners from each county were invited and cadets were nominated by the county Principal Youth Officer for their outstanding hard work and dedication.

Rob Harrison, Wiltshire's principal youth officer, said: "We are very proud of our cadets and their achievements.

"It is a real honour to meet Her Royal Highness and one that our cadets undoubtedly deserve for all their hard work."

4:23pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

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