A St John Ambulance cadet from Braintree attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace last week as one of the 1999 County Cadets of the Year.

Michael Attwell, 17, of Sycamore Drive, was presented with his award by The Princess Royal, Commandant-in-Chief of St. John Ambulance Cadets.

He earned the title after participating in a rigorous competition which culminated in the National Cadet of the Year final in Oxfordshire in January.

"Michael has shown tremendous determination, knowledge and skill as a cadet," said Jill Scott, Superintendent-in-Chief of St. John Ambulance.

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