TWO high-achieving cadets from St John Ambulance will be representing the Isle of Man at Buckingham Palace.

Kieran Stewart, 16, a member of Douglas Ambulance Cadets, and Breeshey Cowin, 15, who belongs to Douglas Nursing Cadets, will meet the Princess Royal at the annual gathering of cadets who have achieved their Grand Prior Award.

The award is the highest a cadet can earn and entails three years' of studying the 24 disciplines involved. It is the only badge that can be carried forward to full adult membership of St John Ambulance.

Five local cadets achieved the award this year but counties are only invited to send two to Buckingham Palace so names had to be drawn from a hat.

Kieran, from Anagh Coar, will follow in the footsteps of his mother, Jenni Moore, who attended the reception herself as a cadet in 1991. Jenni is now unit leader of Douglas Ambulance Cadets.

Kieran, who has been involved with St John Ambulance for 11 years, said: "I feel very honoured to be going to the palace like my mum did 20 years ago.

"I would recommend any young person to get involved in St John Ambulance as we learn all sorts of skills including fire-fighting. The skills you learn at cadets assist towards finding a job as well."

Breeshey, from Douglas, joined St John Ambulance when she was six. She said: "St John Ambulance is a big part of my life and I would recommend young people to get involved with the organisation because you are able to meet new people and learn new skills.

"Although first aid is the main topic I've also enjoyed learning sign language and radio communications and I'm looking forward to going on first aid duty more frequently, in particular for motorsports."

Cadets and badgers meet in six locations around the Island - Douglas, Onchan, Laxey, Ramsey, Peel and Rushen.

The cadets will attend Buckingham Palace on March 30.