Student Jessica Shepherd, who came to the rescue of her elderly neighbour and prevented potential life-changing injury, has been given a first aid award.

The 15-year-old John of Gaunt pupil, of North Bradley, was presented with the St John Ambulance First Aider of the Year Award at the Wiltshire Lord Lieuten-ant’s Awards Ceremony 2014.

She put her Trowbridge Army Cadet first aid skills into practice to help 81-year-old neighbour Patricia Giles, who had fallen, when she found her on her walk home from school.

Jessica prevented other people moving the injured woman and asked for blankets, before talking to the 999 operator.

She said: “I didn’t tell anyone about what had happened at first, as I didn’t want any fuss. One of my neighbours got in contact with the Army Cadet Officer and it spiralled from there.

“A paramedic told me that, had I not been there and prevented people from moving her, she could have been paralysed and it would have possibly killed her, but I was just doing what had to be done.

“I was really nervous when I got my award from the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire as it was all very formal. It was nice to get the award and it will take pride of place on my wall.

“At the awards, a representative from the NHS asked if I would like to do work experience in A&E at Salisbury Hospital.”

The ceremony at Devizes Town Hall also saw fellow John of Gaunt pupil and cadet Karl Martin, 17, get the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet award for outstanding contribution to cadet forces.

For a year he will take on duties such as parade appearances and Royal visits, as well as acting as an ambassador.

He said: “It’s a great honour as I will be representing the Queen.”