Exmouth St John Ambulance youth groups are celebrating again after five of their number achieved the highest awards within St John Ambulance's youth program.

Lottie Blundell, Kaitlyn Hardy, and Dylan Wesley, all pupils at Bassetts Farm primary school all achieved their super badger awards.

Victoria Lee, a student at Exmouth Community College and Lucy Rose, a student at Torquay Grammar for Girls, achieved their Btec Level 2 Peer Education awards with Lucy also achieving her Grand Prior Award.

Three super Badger awards were presented to Badgers Lottie Blundell, and Kaitlyn Hardy as well as Cadet Dylan Wesley, who has continued his journey from Badgers to Cadets.

The trio have completed nine or more subjects from Active badger to Hungry badger and Entertainment badger as well as learning valuable first aid skills.

Simon Lee, Badger unit manager, praised their efforts, he said: " We are extremely proud of our youngest members and their effort and achievements in gaining these awards. We look forward to seeing what else they can achieve with us."

Two Cadets received their Btec Level 2 Peer Educator awards; Cadet Victoria Lee, pictured at an earlier ceremony, and Corporal Lucy Rose.

The cadets now have the skills to train others in life-saving skills and have already begun work on this both within the Cadet unit and out in the community, having recently helped teach local Scouts and Beavers.

On top of this, Corporal Lucy Rose was also presented with the highest cadet award of Grand Prior having completed 24 subjects in eight sections ranging from Legal Eagle- learning about our justice system- to Leadership training and Radio communications. This has included courses away and camps to gain extra subjects.

Vikki Atkins, unit manager for the cadets, said: "We can not be any prouder of our cadets' achievements- to put time and effort and show commitment to training more people in their own time as well as achieving the top award a cadet can gain is a milestone to be marked.

"All our cadets work extremely hard but Lucy and Victoria's achievements shows this pays off. Congratulations to all our award winners, and now the even harder part begins!"

Awards were presented on June 30 at Fairplace Church in Okehampton as part of the St. John day service of celebration, achievement and re-dedication.

Both units are now taking applications for September for new members. Badgers are from seven years old to 11 years old and cadets are from 11 to 17 years old.

Both meet on Tuesdays (Badgers 5.30pm to 7 pm and Cadets 7.15pm to 8.45pm) during term times.

If you would like your child to join Badgers please email [email protected] and for cadets please email [email protected] or call 07729646429.

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