Two St John Ambulance cadets from the Sprowston and Old Catton Division in Norwich have been awarded the highest honour they can attain within the organisation.
Alex Watling and Ryan Cromwell, both aged 13, have been awarded the St John Ambulance Grand Prior certificate and badge by Lynford Brunt, the organisation's assistant county commissioner.
The Grand Prior award is only achieved after a cadet completes 24 subjects from the St John Ambulance programme and takes at least three years of hard work.
Both Ryan and Alex have completed subjects including first aid, ambulance aid and communicating with the deaf and blind. They have also attended a mock trial at Norwich Magistrate's Court as part of their legal eagle subject.
Alex, who has been a member of the Sprowston-based unit since he was six years old, names radio communications and casualty simulation as his favourite subjects while Ryan enjoyed the legal eagle course the most, as he played the defendant during the mock trial.
Alex said: 'I was really pleased to get my Grand Prior Award, as it was a lot of hard work, but I enjoyed it.
'I really enjoy cadets and having the skills to save someone's life is something everyone should have.'
Both cadets will be put into a draw of Grand Prior recipients awarded over the last year and one lucky recipient from Norfolk will be invited to the Grand Prior Reception held at Buckingham Palace early in 2012.
Lynford Brunt, who gave the boys their awards at a presentation event, said: 'It is always an honour to present the Grand Prior Award, as one of the core aims of St John Ambulance is to give these young people confidence and skills which one day could mean the difference between a life lost and a life saved.'
- Anyone interested in becoming a cadet or Badger – the group for members aged five to 10 – or any adults interested in volunteering at a cadet or Badger unit, can contact St John Ambulance on 08700 104950.
- Do you know someone who has won an award? Call Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk
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