A Watford teenager has been named St John Ambulance West Anglia Cadet of the Year 2015.

Mythili Sutharson, 17, who volunteers at the Watford unit, had to complete a first aid challenge to demonstrate her life saving abilities and take part in a team building exercise, as well as give a presentation and be interviewed by judges for the competition.

Mythili will represent her fellow cadets in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire throughout 2015 at public and St John Ambulance events.

She is also set to join three other East of England cadets to compete for the title of overall East of England Cadet of the Year and the National Cadet of the Year in April.

Mythili, who is studying for her A Levels at Watford Grammar School for Girls, is a team leader in her Watford unit and helps organise activities and sessions for her fellow cadets.

She has also used her first aid skills to good effect, assisting someone who had fainted.

Mythili said: "I'm delighted. The best thing about being part of St John Ambulance is that you not only learn first aid, but also many additional skills such as being a good team player and being more confident. The charity really does incorporate all the essential life skills you need in one great organisation."

Ian Callaghan, youth manager for St John Ambulance in the East of England, said: "Mythili was an excellent candidate who performed extremely well in the competition and she is a great role model to the younger cadets in the organisation.

"I hope she enjoys her year in office and I am sure she will make the most of all of the opportunities offered to her and encourage more young people to learn the skills that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved."