A ST John Ambulance youngster has received the organisation's highest award possible for a cadet as he gains a Grand Prior Award.

Ben Colson, 15, of Ripon, achieved the honour and he was presented with it by Princess Anne, the group’s commandant in chief (Youth), at Buckingham Palace.

A sufferer of Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, he joined the St John Ambulance brigade as an eight-year-old.

It marks the end of years of sustained effort over which the cadets studied 24 subjects ranging from new media to the history of the St John Ambulance.

Ben, a pupil at St Aidan's High School, Harrogate, said: "I'm not sure why I was put forward but I was very proud and privileged to represent North Yorkshire and Teesside at the ceremony.

"It was great to meet the other cadets and a real honour to meet Princess Anne who took an interest in all of us.

"I thoroughly enjoy being a member of the group. The best things about it are the friendliness of the cadets, the enthusiasm of the leaders and the wide variety of things we learn.

"As I gain more experience of first aid, I would like to think I could make a difference should an emergency arise."

He was nominated by local St John Ambulance brigade staff officer James Parkes.

He said: "I have watched him come out of his shell and develop into a really great guy.

"He's an outstanding cadet and has had to overcome so many barriers. No one could be more deserving of this award."

Ben’s brother, Sam Colson, eight, is also in the St John Ambulance brigade and has recently been given a Super Badger Award.

This is the highest possible Badger award and he was presented with it at a ceremony held at Crathorne Hall, near Yarm, Teesside