A TEENAGER from Burnley will take on others from across the country this weekend in the fight to win the title of Britain's St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year.

Martin Grogan, 16, of Derwent Avenue, became the first cadet from Burnley to win the coveted Lancashire Cadet of the Year honour last summer, only four years after joining the organisation.

The former Barden High School, Burnley, pupil, who is now doing a BTec in health studies at Burnley College, will take on other top cadets from across Britain during a two-day competition at Eynsham Hall, Oxford.

Martin, who has two brothers Shaun, 14, and four-year-old Joshua, is a member of the Burnley quad division based at Duke Bar.

"It's the first time Burnley has had a county Cadet of the Year so I was very pleased to get through to the national final," said Martin. "I had to go to Preston for the county contest and there was a uniform inspection, an interview and I had to give a presentation."

The cadets will take part in a series of team tasks and produce written reports, make presentations and undergo two formal interviews.

They will be assessed on their ability to work in a team, use their initiative under pressure, organise activities, lead groups and deal with people.

The weekend will culminate with an awards ceremony on Sunday when Baroness Emerton, chief commander of St John Ambulance, and Peter Carver, its commissioner in chief, will present a cup to the winning cadet along with £300 for their local St John Ambulance division. All cadets will receive a crystal souvenir and certificate.

The national Cadet of the Year will also represent the organisation at events across the country.

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