A SCHOOL girl from Pontypool beat hundreds of other contestants to be named St John Ambulance badger of the year.

Eight-year-old Rebecca Jolliffe, from Pontypool, has been going to the St John Ambulance children's club in Griffithstown for more than three years, and won the nationwide search for a Badgers' champion after entering a written project about her favourite hobby - dancing.

Judges at regional and national heats loved Rebecca's enthusiasm for Welsh folk, jazz, and ballet dancing - particularly when she got them dancing during her final presentation in Hay-on-Wye.

The George Street Primary pupil won an MP4 player, family tickets to a theme park of her choice, and a shield to mark her success.

Proud mum Amanda Jolliffe said: “I don’t think she’s come down off the ceiling yet. It’s a huge achievement.”

Rebecca could also be asked to represent St John Ambulance at any event throughout Wales.