A ST John Ambulance cadet from Ellesmere Port was invited to a day out at Buckingham Palace, where she represented the charity at a reception hosted by the Princess Royal.

Ruth Tickle, 17, of Great Sutton, was selected to attend the prestigious event on March 30 after completing her Grand Prior Award, the highest award a St John Ambulance cadet can achieve.

The award marks at least three years of sustained effort studying 24 subjects – from first aid, communication and working in the community to social media.

Ruth was delighted to meet Her Royal Highness and said: “Visiting Buckingham Palace and meeting the Princess Royal was an experience that I will never forget.

“Being a St John Ambulance cadet has provided me with first aid knowledge that allows me to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved and I’ve also had the opportunity to learn other valuable life skills.”

Elizabeth Stout, principal youth officer for St John Ambulance, Cheshire, said: “First aid is a vital skill and these young people show that anyone, of all ages, can learn lifesaving knowledge.

“Ruth has worked hard and demonstrated dedication throughout her time at St John Ambulance.

“We feel the palace reception is a perfect way to reward them and recognise their achievements.”

About 93 young people were invited to the palace to represent St John Ambulance 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.