A teenage fire cadet used his new found first aid skills to help a 12-year-old girl after she was hit by a minibus.

Lee Wilkinson with fire cadets instructor Steve Robson

Lee Wilkinson sprang into action on Monday after the girl, who has not been named, was knocked over in Ambrosden, near Bicester.

He put her into the recovery position and covered her with his coat until paramedics arrived.

The girl was not believed to be seriously injured. But her father, a Quartermaster with 23 Pioneer Regiment, at St David's Barracks, Bicester, who was in Cyprus with the Army, was flown home on Tuesday.

Leading fire cadet Lee, who is based at Kidlington fire station, was celebrating his 14th birthday today.

The cadets were taught basic first aid skills last week and Lee knew what to do to help the girl.

The Bicester Community College pupil, of Park Rise, Ambrosden, said he was walking home from the school bus when he heard tyres screeching.

He said: "I turned around and saw a lot of people stood around her. I went over and administered first aid and checked her airways.

"I asked her if she was cold -- I told her to blink or squeeze my hand. Then I took my coat off and put it over her.

"The adrenaline took over and I just remembered what to do. Afterwards I was shaking. Even now I keep reminding myself I actually did it." Lee added: "I was really pleased that I could help out. If it hadn't been for the first aid training that we had last week I wouldn't have known what to do."

Lee's parents Ian and Yvonne said they were extremely proud of him

Ray Walters, the chairman of Ambrosden Parish Council, had just returned home when he realised there had been an accident and went to divert traffic around the scene.

Mr Walters said he believed a number of children had got off a school bus just before the girl was struck by a minibus.

Steve Robson, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's schools liaison officer, said: "Lee has shown promise and leadership qualities and it was no surprise to me that he remembered his training so well.

"Although the young girl was taken to hospital, we understand that she was not seriously hurt and I believe that she's back at home."

John Farrow, the county council's executive member for community safety, said: "Lee should be very proud of himself. His quick thinking was admirable. This incident shows just how valuable the fire cadet training can be."