A young St John Ambulance volunteer from Princes Risborough met Princess Anne at a special reception to acknowledge their hard work for the charity. 

16-year-old Shannon Dean was invited to the reception at St James' Palace at the end of April after scooping the title of the 2014 Regional Cadet of the Year for the South East. 

The Princes Risborough School AS Level pupil was among dozens of other young badgers, cadets, and carers who went along to the event, which recognised their commitment to the charity. 

She shared her experiences of volunteering with HRH Princess Anne, who is Commandant-in-Chief of St John Ambulance Cadets.

Shannon has learnt valuable first aid skills at the St John Ambulance’s Thame unit since she joined around two years ago. 

The keen charity volunteer has used her skills multiple times, as her mum suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. 

She also helps staff teach first aid to year seven pupils at her school every week. 

She said: “Being a part of St John Ambulance has helped me develop as a person. I am so proud of what I have achieved and it’s wonderful to be invited to events such as these, giving me the opportunity to meet other young people and to hear their stories too.”

Wendy Human, Director of Charitable Initiatives and Training at St John Ambulance said: “The reception is a great way for us to recognise the commitment and outstanding work of these young people.

“Shannon has been an asset to her local community all year round and fully deserves to be rewarded with this invitation.”