"Outstanding" Merton youngsters were applauded for "hundreds of hours" of voluntary work by some of London's top cops at an awards ceremony last week.

Volunteer Police Cadets Sam Watson and Jordan Corps were presented with Merton's Cadet of the Year and Junior Cadet of the Year awards at a ceremony hosted by the Met's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh.

Sam, 15, of Morden, is Deputy Head Cadet of the senior Merton VPC unit based at Rutlish School in Wimbledon.

In his two years' service, he has spent countless hours volunteering for public services, supporting operational policing events, working in the community and adventure training.

He said: "I can’t believe I won this. Thanks very much to all my staff and cadet colleagues. I’m just really pleased to have this opportunity."

Jordan, 11, is a founder member of the new Merton Junior Volunteer Police Cadets, based at St Marks Academy in Mitcham.

A Merton VPC spokesman said:"Jordan has worked hard with consistent attendance, to look smart in uniform, take an active role in all events and learn about police work."

Merton's borough commander Chief Supt Stuart Macleod presented Sam and Jordan with their awards at the first ever London-wide awards ceremony for junior cadets on Tuesday, January 20.

He said: "Each borough had nominated individuals for these awards to recognise their outstanding commitment and involvement over the last 12 months, and Sam and Jordan were very worthy winners."

Appealing for more youngsters to join the cadets, he said: "Across London there are over 3,500 cadets and junior cadets and they are a thriving force for good in our communities.

"I was also struck by the incredible diversity of those present, with almost every community you can think of across London represented. Many of you will know that the MPS has a long-term ambition to reach a position where the make up of its officers and staff are more representative of 21st century London.

"If some of these cadets and junior cadets maintain their interest in policing and decide to join when they are older, then that will go a long way towards meeting that aspiration."

If you know a young person who is interested in joining, contact Tim Mann on vw-mertoncadets@met.police.uk.