A BLACKPOOL St John Ambulance cadet, who was hailed County Cadet of the Year for Lancashire last June, is hoping to go one better this weekend when she competes for a national title.

Sarah Snell, 17, from Houseman Place, has been a member of Lytham St Annes St John Ambulance for three years in which time she has become a valued member and has been described as an excellent example to others.

She will compete with cadets aged 15-18 from 42 other counties for the title of National Cadet of the Year. The competition runs from tomorrow (Friday) until Sunday at Eynsham Hall stately home in Oxford.

Sarah, pictured here clutching her County Cadet trophy, said she is hoping to become a nurse and St John Ambulance is the perfect training ground for such a career. The weekend will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday night when among the judges will be Baroness Audrey Emerton, Chief Commander of St John Ambulance. She will present a cup to the winning cadet along with £300 for their local St John Ambulance division and every cadet who takes part will receive a special medallion and certificate.