A BROMSGROVE teenager who came to the rescue during a serious road crash has been given a top award by St John Ambulance.

Rachel Clements has been made the Young First Aider of the Year by the charity in recognition of her courage.

Rachel was travelling back from a Guides trip in Switzerland, in August 2000, when the coach in which she was travelling was involved in a head-on collision with a lorry.

Despite having a hand injury and knowing her mother and sister had also probably been hurt in the crash, her first concern was to help others.

The 14-year-old sorted out the casualties and administered first aid for shock and bleeding.

South Bromsgrove High School pupil Rachel, of Harrow Close, is being presented with her award by actress Patsy Palmer at a glittering ceremony at London Zoo tomorrow.

Nic Suggit, head of training at St John Ambulance, said first aid was a vital skill which should be taught to children.