As part of the Millennium Volunteer Awards scheme, the Croydon Guardian will be featuring the 18 nominees who have made outstanding contributions to local organisations.

The Millennium Volunteer Awards have been up and running since June and aim to recognise the hard work undertaken by youths aged between 18 and 24 who have become involved in MV projects.

Each project was given a nomination form and the ten regional winners of the competition will get an all expenses paid trip to London with their project manager for a big ministerial ceremony at Lancaster House in London.

They will be presented with their prizes and certificates from ministers and will get to meet the campaign's celebrities. This week we feature the first six volunteers shortlisted for the awards.

KEVIN MORRIS: Kevin Morris has completed more than 100 hours of volunteer work with the Crystal Palace Football in the Community project, helping to coach young hopefuls all over the borough.

Kevin started out by helping the coaches at Crystal Palace Football Club but now visits schools and clubs to train six to 13-year-olds himself.

The 23-year-old from Shirley has been filmed for the MTV publicity campaign for Millennium Volunteers and his nominators say he is a perfect example of a dedicated volunteer.

Kevin already had his Junior Team Management Certificate before he volunteered with Crystal Palace and is now taking his FA licence.

His confidence and experience gained from his coaching has meant that there is a strong possibility of him being paid when he finishes his 200 hours.

ANDREW CHNG: The Oxfam charity shop in West Croydon and the town's branch of Meals on Wheels just could not have functioned without the help of teenager Andrew Chng.

The 18-year-old has completed more than 110 hours of hard graft for the two local organisations after he got involved with Millennium Volunteers.

Andrew had wanted retail experience before he went to university and, despite the fact he didn't have time to do more hours, is planning to carry on volunteering with the organisation while he is studying at Nottingham.

ROBERT TAYLOR: By the time most teenagers reach the age of 20, Saturday mornings are exclusively reserved for lying in bed watching breakfast television.

But not for Thornton Heath resident Robert Taylor.

The 20-year-old has been giving up his Saturdays to help out with the Croydon Young People's Theatre (CRYPT).

Robert, who lives in Norbury Avenue, has been helping out with the theatre group for years, which gives youngsters in the area the chance to express themselves through drama and music.

Robert's co-workers would love to see him win the competition because they believe his hard work and dedication makes him an ideal candidate.

One co-worker said: "He volunteers on Saturdays all day which, for someone of his age, is practically unheard of."

KIRSTY SHORT: Another Old Coulsdon Dance Group volunteer being commended for her dedication is 18-year-old Kirsty Short.

The youngest club members were heartbroken when Kirsty went to university after she had spent more than 100 hours coaching children aged between eight and 16 years for a dance showcase.

Kirsty has been described as always being cheerful and often encouraging the little ones' when they said they couldn't do something.

A spokesman form the dance group said: "She always made them feel special and she made them smile they really loved and respected her.

"She was volunteering and running the group out of passion for dance rather than income."

KAREN HAMLIN: A four-year commitment to helping youngsters in Coulsdon to sing and dance has earned Karen Hamlin her nomination.

The 18-year-old started volunteering at the Old Coulsdon Youth Club when she was just 14 and has gone on to become a youth leader, mentor and eventually dance choreographer.

She was heavily involved in a dance production last February putting many, dedicated hours into the club and is now seen as a good role model for the younger members.

JEMMA KNOWLES: Jemma Knowles turned her back on a life of crime to go on to become one of the most valuable volunteers the High Trees Community and Development Trust has ever seen.

Jemma, who grew up in West Norwood, started shoplifting at the age of 15 and became embroiled in a downward spiral of petty crime.

Described as "an inspiration" to all youngsters with a troubled past, 23-year-old Jemma ended up in a special centre for problem' girls after she was expelled from four schools in one year.

However, she still managed to leave school with three GCSE's when she was 16.

Jemma gave birth to her daughter, Mia, when she was 21.

She first started working for the St Martin's Youth Focus group and the bulk of Jemma's hours were spent developing the Youth Focus Group and encouraging other young people to join in and take part.

Some of are which are now Millennium Volunteers.

Jemma has worked on the Easter play scheme and is currently helping out on the adult learners summer programme, looking after children while their parents learn.

Currently helping with research that will help identify learning needs within St Martin's Estate, Jemma has also recently signed up for a Childcare course, which will enable her to progress with her childcare work. From this Jemma hopes to follow a career in childcare in the community and hopefully will gain employment and a better life for herself and her daughter.

December 13, 2001 14:00