A trial scheme that gave teenagers a summer to remember has won a top award.
Harrow’s National Citizen Service (NCS), which ran last year, has been named the top scheme of its kind in London by the National Volunteering Service V.
Organisers are now calling on 16-year-olds from the area to sign up again this year for the four-week programme, which is designed to give them skills for life as well as a great time.
NCS is run by a partnership between V, Harrow Council and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.
In the trial project in 2011, 15 young people enjoyed making new friends, trying new activities, learning new skills and volunteering in their communities. They went on two residential trips, took part in sports and enjoyed mentoring from Paralympic gold medallist Tim Prendergast.
The teenagers met double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes and one member of the group visited Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister. The youngsters also took part in fundraising activities to raise money for homeless charities.
The success of the trial means funding has already been found for another programme in 2012. The scheme has doubled in size this year and 30 young people are being invited to sign up to take part.
Councillor Mitzi Green, Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “This scheme is about giving young people the chance to use their passion and enthusiasm to make a difference in their communities. In doing so, they will pick up the valuable skills and experience they need to excel in further education or the workplace.”