A young man who has re-launched a sea cadets scheme for West End youngsters was praised by the Premier yesterday ? and given some extra cash to boost his efforts.

Premier Ewart Brown handed a cheque for $5,000 to Jason Simons, 26, a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy Reserve, to help him keep running the Somerset branch of the Sea Cadets, which reformed at the start of the year.

Dr. Brown told a press conference at the Cabinet Office: ?Mr. Simons has demonstrated the type of community leadership and determination that we have come to admire as it relates to spearheading programmes which benefit our youth.

?What is most admirable is that he has funded this programme from his own pocket, which in my opinion, truly exemplifies the type of selfless community spirit that we should all strive for.?

He said the Sea Cadet programme was an initiative aimed at harnessing youngsters? full potential and providing them with opportunities to learn discipline, collaboration and respect.

?This Government is keen to extend its support to the Sea Cadets because, over the years, it has proven to be a successful training ground for many of our current Marine and Ports and Maritime Administration employees.?

Mr. Simons, workshop controller at Peugeot Continental Motors, said he got to travel on a tall ship from England to France and visit Canada and the US by boat while a cadet.

His branch in Somerset, which had thrived during the 1970s, later closed down and he decided to reform it when he returned to the Island from studying abroad.

?I started at about the age of ten and worked my way up the ranks to become a junior officer at the age of 18,? he said. ?I got a lot from it so it?s nice to get back to the organisation that gave me so much. I think cadets are given confidence and motivation. It builds great character.?

The Somerset Sea Cadets, for youngsters aged 9 to 18, meet on Fridays at the TS Venture building at Watford Bridge between 6.45 p.m. and 9 p.m. Anyone interested in joining should call Mr. Simons on 799-4401.