County Cadet of the Year enjoys trip to the Palace

St John Ambulance Royal Berkshire has named 17-year-old Hayley Cleaver from Tilehurst as County Cadet of the Year 2010.

Ambassador for Royal Berkshire

Hayley's new role, which involves acting as an ambassador for the nation's leading first aid charity and in particular its youth members, will be formally announced at a awards ceremony.

She has already undertaken one of her first official engagements – attending a recent reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH the Princess Royal.

Hayley is a member of the charity's Theale Division and is studying AS level biology, chemistry, English literature and maths at Little Heath School.

'Volunteering with St John Ambulance has enabled me to get involved with and contribute something to both the local and wider community,' she said. 'I've had the chance to learn not only vital first aid skills but also important life skills such as leadership and communication.'

Hayley also has been able to use her first aid skills on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions treating cuts, grazes and strained muscles.

She said that being a Cadet offers many fun challenges: 'You do everything from taking part in first aid competitions to going on Cadet camp and other adventurous activities. I'd definitely recommend it to others as it's an exciting way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain experience that helps you develop as a person.'

Hayley was among 120 Cadets invited to the Palace to represent St John Ambulance from across the country, nominated for their outstanding hard work and dedication.

She previously met Princess Anne when she and her fellow Cadets demonstrated their first aid skills in front of the royal visitor who formally opened their new headquarters in Deadmans Lane in October 2008.

Russell Wernham, County Commissioner for Youth for St John Ambulance Royal Berkshire, said: 'It's important that we recognise the achievements of young people and the Buckingham Palace reception presents us with a perfect opportunity to do so.

'Our Cadets work so hard and demonstrate real commitment to learning and developing new skills. We are very proud of them. They are a credit to our organisation and especially to their youth leaders who have played a big part in inspiring and guiding them.

'Being a youth leader requires dedication, but it's a rewarding role. We're always looking for volunteers so please get in touch to find out more.'

For more information about St John Ambulance Cadets in Berkshire call 0118 933 5511.