TEENAGER Rachel Stessl is someone to count on in an emergency ... having just become the best St John Ambulance cadet in Greater Manchester.

Rachel, aged 16, of Clifton Road, Leigh, has shown superb first aid and organisational skills to scoop the prestigious title.

And she could go on to become best cadet in the UK if she can repeat her performance in the national final held in Oxford in January.

A cadet for seven years, Rachel has picked up scores of badges and certificates to show that she can keep cool and give people help and first aid in emergency situations.

To win her latest accolade, she impressed a panel of top St John Ambulance officers in Manchester with a presentation, a gruelling interview and a written project as well as having to shine out in team-building games.

Rachel said: "It is just brilliant. I am really excited about going to Oxford."

At a ceremony on Sunday at Manchester Cathedral she will be given a silver braid in recognition of becoming the top cadet in the Manchester area.

Rachel, who became hooked on the St John Ambulance when she did a first aid badge at brownies, can be seen most weekends on duty at Leigh Centurion rugby matches or at Leigh RMI football matches.

And her skills came to the rescue of an elderly person last year in Blackpool when Rachel rushed forward to give first aid after the pensioner fell.

Although the old person was not badly injured, Rachel's training gave her the confidence to deal with the casualty before an ambulance could arrive.

Rachel, who is studying administration at Wigan and Leigh College to become a medical secretary, added: "I love being in St John Ambulance. You meet new people and learn new skills. It's great fun."

The national St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year final will be an intensive weekend of tests when Rachel will compete with 42 other candidates. It is held from January 12 to 14 with the winner announced at the end of the weekend.

Her mum Elaine and dad Peter are travelling to Oxford to give her support.

There are more than 17,000 St John Ambulance youth members in the UK, aged between ten and 18. They learn skills as diverse as lifesaving, firefighting and caring in the community.