Kaitlynn Wreghitt, 14, of Middle Street North, is one of only three St John Ambulance cadets from the East Riding chosen to attend the annual event, which takes place in January 2010.

A total of just 15 people from the UK will attend the festival and Kaitlynn said she was really looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After submitting an application form and finding out she had won a place on the 15-day trip, Kaitlynn said: “I was really happy.

“I’m really looking forward to the first aid competitions and sports competitions.”

The festival will see thousands of cadets from all corners of the globe descend on Christchurch for a wide range of fun activities and Kaitlynn is also looking forward to staying on for a week after the festival to do a bit of sightseeing.

She may have only been a member of St John Ambulance for one year but after nine months she rose to the ranks of Cadet Corporal, something which her proud mother Sara Wreghitt has described as a tremendous achievement, adding “I’m really proud of her.”

Kaitlynn is now appealing for donations to help fund her trip, particularly her air fare, with a target of £500 to reach.

Anyone who would like to help Kaitlynn should contact the St John Ambulance on (01482) 588564.