EAST YORKS: A Hessle youngster has been crowned the county's St John Ambulance Cadet Of The Year.

Joseph Banks will represent his fellow cadets at events throughout the county during the year, including at enrolment and award ceremonies.

He will also be encouraging more young people to learn potentially livesaving first aid.

As well as actively providing first aid at events across East Yorkshire, Joseph has completed the charity's Grand Prior award, which marks at least three years of sustained effort studying 24 subjects, from using social media to outdoor pursuits and first aid.

Joseph said: "It is a great honour and I am delighted to be representing all the other cadets in the Humber region.

"I firmly believe anyone, whatever age, can learn first aid and would like to see more young people learning the skills that can save a life.

"Each year, up to 150,000 people die in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live, and that is a frightening statistic."

To become a cadet, call 08700 104950.