Cadet sergeant helps hundreds of young people

Sgt Craig Norris said he was surprised to hear he had been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards

A volunteer at Jersey Sea and Royal Marine Cadets has helped hundreds of young people as part of his role.

Sgt Craig Norris became a cadet when he was 12 years old and a member of the charity's staff when he was 18 years old.

Since then, he has taught young people skills such as sailing, powerboating, rock climbing, and camping.

Sgt Norris has been shortlisted for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards to highlight the hundreds of hours he has given to the charity.

Alex (left), Maia (centre), and Blake (right) said Sgt Norris has made a difference to them

Blake, Maia, and Alex are some of the cadets who have trained with Sgt Norris.

Blake, 16, said the training "has helped me to talk in front of people" and "he [Sgt Norris] makes a major difference when he's your section commander and he's really funny as well".

Maia, 15, said "the cadets have given me a lot of new experiences and friends" and "Sgt Norris is good when the chips are down because he brings everyone back up".

Alex, 16, said "there's a lot to do in [the] cadets, so you never get bored" and "Sgt Norris is a very cool and a very helpful person".

Lt David Thompson, who is the commanding officer, said "Sgt Norris is like a dynamo" and he was "instrumental in helping the unit win the Gibraltar Cup last year".

The 2024 competition saw Royal Marine cadet units from across the British Isles compete in a two-day course.

Lt Thompson added: "He gives thousands of voluntary hours each year to help our cadets."

Sgt Craig Norris teaches young cadets skills like map reading

Sgt Norris said "I benefited massively from being a cadet" and "it really sets young people up for later in life".

"It's amazing to see young people come in when they might be a bit shy, and when they leave they've developed into smart, young adults."

He added "it is great to be a voice and champion the cadets".

The winner of the awards will be announced on Friday.