FIFTEEN-year-old Dyson Perrins pupil Mark Nugent is in the running as national St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year.

The competition, which takes place in Oxford this weekend, follows his success in being named County Cadet of the Year in November.

Mark, who lives in Powick, will have to fight off a challenge from cadets from 43 other counties.

The youngsters, aged 15 to 17, will take part in a series of team tasks, produce written reports, make presentations, host a dinner party and attend two formal interviews.

They will be assessed on a variety of skills including team working, initiative under pressure, organising activities, leadership and interpersonal communication.

The weekend will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday, when Lord Slynn of Hadley, Prior, and Peter Brown, Chief Commander of St John Ambulance, will present the cup to the winning cadet along with £300 for their local St John Ambulance division.

The winner will represent 15,000 St John cadets at a range of events across the country.

Mark said: "I joined the cadets because I wanted to be a doctor. It's giving me a good insight into first aid and the role that can play."

As as cadet activities include learning to fire fight, life saving, caring in the community, camping and communications.

Rooting for Mark will be his divisional commander, Sarah Coombes.

She said: "We've had Malvern cadets go through to this competition for last six years. However, such a large number of cadets are put forward that it's very hard to win. Mark's got a chance though."

To find out more about the St John Ambulance Cadets, call 01684 576882.