A teenage St John Ambulance volunteer from Dorset has been named as one of the top St John Ambulance Cadets in England.

Jaidon Richardson, 15, who lives on Portland, scooped the title of the county’s 2023 Dorset District Cadet of the Year at a recent competition.

He will represent his fellow cadets in Dorset throughout 2023 at public and St John Ambulance events.

In a competition designed to single out the district’s most outstanding St John Ambulance cadet, Jaidon had to complete a first aid challenge to demonstrate his life saving abilities and take part in a team building exercise as well as give a presentation and be interviewed by judges.

He will join several other cadets to compete for one of the Regional Cadet of the Year roles and to become the National Cadet of the Year at a weekend event in February 2023.

Jaidon said: “When I became District Cadet of The Year 2023 I felt really overwhelmed and happy I won, In my year as Cadet of the Year I look forward to meeting new people and working on new exciting projects.”

Abi Hitchings, District Youth Lead for Dorset, said: “The whole youth team is extremely proud of every Cadet that took part in the day.

"All participants were at an extremely high standard and were a credit to their units and the organisation.

"We hope every participant managed to take something good away with them and had a fabulous day.

"Jaidon on this occasion was the overall winner and we are very excited to be together with him in the new year to bring youth engagement and youth voice into the forefront for Dorset young people.”

For details about becoming a St John Ambulance Cadet please visit www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/cadets-ages-10-17/