ST John Ambulance Cadet Paul Swift was rewarded with a trip to Buckingham Palace to meet Princess Anne.

Paul, 16, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, was chosen after being part of a team which cared for 11 disabled and terminally ill people on a 10-day pilgrimage to Lourdes.

The Princess Royal is the commandant-in-chief of the St John Ambulance Cadets. Paul was chosen from a special group of lucky cadets from across the country.

Paul, a member of the Blackburn with Darwen Division, said he was grateful to St John Ambulance for giving him the opportunity to extend care skills and gain confidence.

Peter Brown, chief commander of the St John Ambulance, said: "These young people have worked hard and shown a great deal of thoughtfulness and patience.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to thank them."