A HORWICH teenager has enjoyed an audience with Princess Anne thanks to her work with the St John Ambulance brigade.

Gemma Elcoat visited Buckingham Palace with other young cadets for a glittering reception in her role as Greater Manchester County Cadet of the Year.

The 17-year-old Rivington and Blackrod Sixth Form College student marched into the Palace with 140 other cadets from all over the country before they had a chance to each meet the Princess Royal, who is Commandant-in-Chief of the St John Ambulance Cadets.

Gemma, who has been a dedicated member of the brigade since she joined the Badgers group for younger members on her sixth birthday, admits she was anxious before her first encounter with a Royal.

She said: "I was nervous when we first marched into the palace, but I soon relaxed because there were drinks and nibbles and everyone was really nice.

"Princess Anne was lovely and asked all about my duties and wondered where I came from.

"She said she knew Bolton, but we didn't get much chance to talk about the place as she had so many people to chat to."

Gemma will be representing the county at many events throughout the year and will be returning to London in June for a special Queen's Golden Jubilee event.