A TRAINEE at New Malden ambulance station has received an award for outstanding achievement from her former college.

Hayley Cox, an emergency medical technician at the station, was a student on the part-time uniformed emergency services course at Southampton City College between 2002 and 2003 and received her award at a ceremony recently.

Course leader Anita O'Connor, who nominated Hayley for the award, said: "Right from the start, Hayley was keen to do well. She completed all the units competently and her lively, friendly personality made her a joy to have in the class."

She also picked up the student of the course award after completing her training in January, and is now working as part of an ambulance crew, responding to 999 calls in the Kingston and New Malden areas.

She said: "I feel deeply honoured to have received this award. From childhood, I have wanted to be a paramedic, and I joined the course at Southampton City College to increase my chances of being accepted for employment in the ambulance service.

"While on the course, I visited the local ambulance, police, fire and coastguard services. I also took the unusual step of upgrading my driving licence by learning to drive a double-decker bus, a 69-seater coach and a 16-tonne lorry.

"It was lovely. I really enjoyed the experience."

She added: "I have only been here for a few weeks, but have learned so much. It's a fantastic service to work in and I have met some really lovely people. I have been very impressed by the professional attitude of the service, the caring staff I have met and I am looking forward to furthering my career in the London Ambulance Service."

After working as a medical technician for two years, she can progress to paramedic.

At present, Hayley is happy to go with colleagues to answer 999 calls and has driven an ambulance a few times.