A student has been named St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year.

Anna Harrison, 16, a student at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, beat 41 other candidates in the national final of the competition, in Oxford.

She joined the St John Ambulance Brigade nine years ago and is a member of the Thirsk and Northallerton division.

In her official capacity as top cadet, Anna, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, will attend official events including meeting the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace in March.

She also receives a trophy, a gold guillette and a mountain bike.

Anna hopes to follow a career in medicine, hopefully as a paediatrician.

As well as studying A-levels in biology, chemistry, maths, psychology and general studies, she is also doing a deaf awareness course.

She said of her award: "I can't believe it; I'm so shocked but pleased, and am really looking forward to the year ahead."