Huntingdon teenager Phoebe Lake has been named East of England winner of the Step into the NHS competition, which is aimed at getting youngsters to consider a career in the National Health Service.

When Phoebe leaves school she wants to become a psychiatrist and the 13-year-old was given the chance to meet Dr Caroline Meiser-Stedman, clinical psychiatrist at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, after taking part in the competition.

After hearing about the many different roles in healthcare, Year 8 pupil Phoebe has decided on her future career and, as part of the competition, she created an advert to attract others to the role.

She was presented with her award by Dr Meiser-Stedman, from mental health and community care provider CPFT, along with Alvina Morey, from Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Phoebe, who won a £50 gift voucher and was presented with a certificate, said: “I enjoyed finding out about all the different jobs in the NHS, but the role of psychiatrist really appealed to me because it involves working with such a wide range of people.

“Helping people with their mental health is something that I am really interested in. I have many friends who sometimes need help and I think everyone deserves the chance to get that help.”

Simon Nance, teacher at Hinchingbrooke School, said: “Phoebe’s work was amazing and we are delighted she has been named the regional winner – we are all very proud of her.”

Dr Meiser-Stedman runs CPFT’s first response service, which is available to people living in Cambridgeshire who are in mental health crisis. She said: “Phoebe did a great job and it was a pleasure to present her with her prize.

“I think it is really encouraging that young people like Phoebe are open to careers in mental health and also talking about mental health. That way we help reduce stigma around mental health issues.”