Royal praise for a real little saint..

ROYAL handshake... Princess Anne congratulates young Katriona

Oldham St John volunteer Katriona Benbow has received the royal seal of approval from The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.

She was honoured at the St John Ambulance Young Achievers’ Reception this month and shook hands with Princess Anne.

She was one of around 75 young people at the event, which celebrated the achievements of St John Ambulance Badgers, Cadets and Young Carers, and recognised the commitment they have made throughout the year.

Katriona (10) was nominated for the Young Achiever Award by the leaders of the Oldham Badger Sett for her unfailing cheerfulness and determination in coping with her own health problems with eczema, and those of her mum Patricia, who has arthritis, and dad Philip, who has been treated for cancer.

During the reception, the young people spoke to the Princess about their experiences, what they enjoy about volunteering with St John Ambulance, and their aspirations for the future.

Katriona said: ‘The best thing about being part of St John Ambulance is that you get to learn life-saving skills. We do lots of other activities too and have loads of fun.”

St John Ambulance works with young people from five to 25 teaching first aid skills and life saving techniques.

Maria Podlasiuk, principal youth officer for St John Ambulance in Greater Manchester, said: “Katriona is such an amazing young person and she really deserved to be included in such an esteemed day.’