TEENAGERS from across north Essex took part in a unique citizenship programme in Colchester.

 

About 30 young people attended Cherry Tree camp on Monday to take part in National Citizen Service.

The programme is open to 16 and 17-year-olds and aims to improve their life skills.

The participants have already been on a camping weekend in the Lake District before Monday’s session, in Cherry Tree Lane.

Gavin Evans, contract manager and the Essex Boys and Girls Club, which runs the scheme, said: “We’ve taken them away for a session but in this home session is about keeping them close to home and help to regenerate their own communities.

Youngsters were taught cooking and first aid skills and spent time with community representatives.
Colchester Institute student Jake Williams, 17, of Layer-de-la-Haye, took part in the event.

He said: “Both today and the trip to the Lake District have been an amazing experience and it’s been great to help out in and find out more about Colchester, which is my hometown.

“I would definitely encourage other teenagers to take part in something like this.”
For more information, go to ncsyes.co.uk.