A DORCHESTER teenager has been recognised as a top first aider.

Tee-Jay Downton, of Orchard Street, was named as St John Ambulance’s top cadet in the area and will help spread the message about the importance of first aid.

He beat competition from dozens of other cadets from Dorset, Yeovil and Wiltshire and will represent cadets aged from 11 to 18 at events throughout the district over the year.

Tee-Jay will hope to inspire more young people to learn first aid and highlight how it could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

He was named as District Cadet of the Year after impressing a panel of judges in a formal interview as well as making a presentation, demonstrating his first aid ability and taking part in team challenges.

The Weymouth College engineering student said he was delighted to be recognised.

He said: “I joined St John Ambulance wanting to gain vulnerable first aid skills which I have but I have got so much more than that including friends for life, leadership and communication skills to name just a few.

“Most importantly, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“Being selected as the district cadet of the year was such a surprise.

“I firmly believe that anyone, whatever age, can learn first aid and would like to see more young people like me learning the skills that can save a life.

“Research has shown that each year up to 140,000 people die in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live and that’s a frightening statistic.”

Tee-Jay will now take part in the National Cadet of the Year competition at Leicester University from April 5 in a bid to claim the nationwide Cadet of the Year title.

Regional youth manager for St John Ambulance in the South West Dave Christophers said: “The standard of cadets was extremely high and it was a tough decision to make.

“Tee-Jay is a great example of a dedicated volunteer who truly believes in the difference that first aid can make to saving someone’s life.