A DARING young former Worcestershire sea cadet has saved a life after only a few months on a tour of duty in the Gulf.

Kerry Wallis, aged 23, from Charlton, near Evesham, joined the Navy three years ago but was only assigned to her first sea trip on HMS Cornwall in January.

It was the same ship which the Iranians said strayed into their territory before they took 15 of the crew hostage.

Miss Wallis's mum Dawn said: "Thank goodness Kerry wasn't one of them, but she obviously shared the anguish of those left on board. It was a terrible time."

Miss Wallis came into her own when she was on shore leave in Barcelona.

Mrs Wallis said: "From what we understand there was a terrible road accident which involved a man with serious head injuries. If it hadn't been for Kerry's first aid, he would have died."

Mum and dad Richard, sister Kirsty, brother Daniel and grandad Raymond are very proud of Miss Wallis.

Mrs Wallis said: "I never hesitated for a moment when Kerry said she wanted to join the Navy. It's all she's wanted to do since she was 12."

Miss Wallis is one of about 35 women in the 230 ship's crew and her job is to keep a daily journal of the ship's activities. The young sailor, who is trained in first aid and firefighting, hasn't seen her family since January but they will celebrate when she returns home for the summer.