Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Young Citizen winner 2015 named as Clayhall air cadet Jameel Campbell

Mayor's Community Awards - young citizen nominees Jameel Campbell and Jack Palmer (Image: Redbridge Counci)

Jameel Campbell, 18, said he “delighted” after being presented the award at last night’s ceremony at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford.

Jameel, who is in his first year at Bath University studying maths, has been a member of 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Sqn Air Training Corps since he was 15.

Since then he has put his “heart and soul” into the unit, working with younger cadets to become the “best cadet on the unit and setting an excellent example”.

The former Woodbridge High School student, from Birch Court, Clayhall, said: “I wasn’t expecting anything to be honest, so when I received it I was really happy and grateful that I was chosen above everyone else.

“When I was sent the letter saying I was nominated I didn’t know anything about it.

“I enjoy everything that I do, everything is a unique experience that I know would be hard to get anywhere else.

“It’s nice to see the difference that I can sometimes make.”

The youngster, who has gained a Flying Scholarship, Gliding Scholarship and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, was joined at the ceremony by his mum Marie and senior officer Robin Shaw.

He has also taken part in an International air cadet exchange to Australia, leadership training courses and is an important part of the squadron band.

He said he hopes to train as a commercial pilot after university, and join the cadet staff to help run the unit.

The runner-up in the Young Citizen category was Jack Palmer from Barkingside, a young leader with the 2nd Ilford North Beavers.

The 15-year-old was put forward in recognition of his selfless volunteering as a helper with children aged six to eight.

See full coverage and pictures in next Thursday’s Ilford Recorder.