A Lowestoft teenager is celebrating after being presented with a prestigious award.

St John Ambulance cadet Ashley Hobbs 'could not be happier' after she was recognised for her commitment to the nation's leading first aid charity.

The 17-year-old, who is based at the charity's Lowestoft unit, was presented with the Grand Prior Award – the highest qualification available to St John Ambulance cadets.

The award shows that Ashley has demonstrated a sustained effort studying 24 different subjects – including first aid, communication and working in the community – giving her the necessary skills to become a life-saver.

The 17-year-old, who lives in Lowestoft, is currently studying for her A-levels in psychology, finance and french at the East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston and she hopes to have a career in occupational psychology.

She has been a St John Ambulance volunteer for 10 years, starting as a badger and moving up to the cadet group when she was 10.

She said: 'I feel wholeheartedly privileged to have achieved my Grand Prior Award as I have spent a lot of time helping out at St John Ambulance.

'I could not be happier,' she admitted.

Equally delighted, Maxine Mitchell – manager of the Lowestoft Cadet unit – said: 'I am extremely proud of what Ashley has achieved.

'She is a valuable member of the unit and helps her colleagues and makes new volunteers feel welcome. She also helps out her unit leaders on training nights.'

St John Ambulance is the nation's leading first aid charity. Every year, more than 400,000 people learn how to save a life through the charity's training programmes, including hundreds of thousands of young people.

St John Ambulance volunteers provide first aid in their communities, keeping people safe at numerous events, and they work alongside the NHS in response to 999 calls.

The charity is also always campaigning to raise awareness of first aid and educate the public.

? For further details about becoming a St John Ambulance Cadet please visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people.aspx

? Have you got a Lowestoft story? Contact senior reporter Mark Boggis on 01502 525833 or alternatively you can email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk