The Isle of Man Police Youth Cadets have nominated two constables for Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year award to thank them for the support they have given to them during the two-year scheme.

Constables Mike Griffiths and Paddy Moore have supported the 15 teenagers through the scheme, which comes to an end in April.

Megan Wright, speaking on behalf of the cadets, said: ’We want to thank them for all of the time and effort they have put into the scheme, which has been so valuable to the cadets.

’It has given us so many opportunities which we wouldn’t have otherwise had.’

She added: ’When I first started the cadets I did it to get more personal skills.

’Because of them, I now want to be a police officer.’

Megan said she had gained personal skills, team-working skills and confidence.

The aim of the scheme is to give teenagers in school years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16) insight into police work while developing their personal skills and supporting the community.

Over the two years, the group has supported a range of island groups and events including the Special Olympics, Tynwald Day, the Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes and the Southern Agricultural Show.

The group also went on a trip to Belgium, where they marched at the Menin Gate in Ypres and placed hand-made Manx crosses at the gravesides of fallen Manx soldiers.

Constable Griffiths said: ’Both myself and Paddy are chuffed to be nominated again, especially by this group of fantastic young people. ’

’The group are coming to the end of their two years with us and it has been fantastic to see them turn into the young adults they have become.

’Over the past two years they have done so much, from being the Honour guard at Menin gate to abseiling down the fire station tower for charity.

’The team have nearly completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards and have earned their first aid at work certificate and their open water rescue certificate.’

He added: ’They are a credit our organisation and community.’

Recruitment for the next intake of cadets starts in April.

Constable Moore has already been nominated for this year’s award by Douglas town centre manager Oliver Cheshire.

It’s the third year that Paddy has been nominated for the award.

Mr Cheshire said: ’He genuinely cares about Douglas and making it a safe, nice and fun place to be.’

Constable Griffiths has been nominated by Ballakermeen High School art teacher Joanne Fulton.

She praised him for his efforts to educate students and staff members about drugs and alcohol.

’Mike is always approachable and well respected in the community,’ she said.

â?¢ To make a nomination send the name of your chosen officer and your reasons for choosing him or her to [email protected]

Officers can be of any rank and those who have been nominated in previous years can be put forward again.

Please include your own full name, address and a telephone number so we can contact you.

The deadline for nominations is March 21.