'Inspirational' James given police award

By gware ginny ware gware@heraldexpress.co.uk

POLICE in Brixham have rewarded an 'inspirational' youngster for his good work in the community.

Jamie Hardaker, 16, was presented with two good citizenship certificates under the Motiv8 scheme, launched in March.

He was singled out for the awards for his efforts in raising money for the Blue Peter Appeal and for his role on the interview panel for a new chairman of Torbay Council's Transformation and Safeguarding board.

The scheme, due to be rolled out force-wide following a successful trial in Torbay, rewards with tickets youngsters who are spotted carrying out a good deed, such as picking up litter or helping someone.

Extra special good deeds, such as Jamie's, receive special recognition with a certificate, shopping vouchers and free entry to a range of local attractions.

Police community support officer Dave Bird, who nominated Jamie for the awards, said: "He's an exceptional youngster and an inspiration to all because he's self motivated.

"Everywhere you turn Jamie is there doing something for the community. It's amazing the amount of stuff he does.

"He's so polite, an ideal teenager.

"Although naturally, quite shy, he has managed to achieve all that he has through overcoming his shyness."

Jamie, of the Sharkham Estate, is a member of the Brixham Army Cadets, the 999 Cadets which was recently launched by the fire service and the police, and a volunteer at Brixham Youth Enquiry Service.

He also helped launch Torbay's new youth funding panel and recently helped put together the bid for the new youth centre at Parkfield, Paignton.

He was one of three teenagers to sit on the interview panel to find the new head of the council's safeguarding board - a multi-agency organisation designed to protect children and young people.

And he recently organised a bric-a-brac sale at the Salvation Army in Paignton which raised £100 for the Blue Peter Appeal.

Jamie, a former pupil of Brixham College, says his motivation is trying make Torbay a 'better place for young people'.

"I want to try to get more for them to do," he said.

"I like young people and seeing how they change through the stuff we do. It's very rewarding.

"It's really good to get these certificates and I'm really happy about it. It's nice to be recognised."

Since the scheme was launched three months ago, 19 tickets have been handed out to young people in Torquay, nine in Paignton and three in Brixham.

Brixham's acting sergeant Tracy Sharam said: "The scheme recognises good work which has been done by the youths who are out there and it's one way of showing we appreciate their efforts."