YOUNG adults clocked up more than 43,000 hours of volunteering in the summer National Citizen Service helping to fundraise thousands of pounds.

Some 750 people, aged between 15 and 17, signed up for the summer programme in Oxfordshire which include a number of activity-based trips, plus two full weeks of local fundraising.

During that time thousands of hours were given up from the youngsters own summer holidays and dedicated to helping raise £21,500 for local charities and organisations.

NCS recruitment manager Nick Harrison said: "The NCS experience is the government’s largest youth and community experience and programme enabling young people to gain skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and overall independence and gain a nationally recognised certificate.

"Our Oxfordshire Autumn 2018 experience is accessible to all 16 -17 year olds in the county with completion of the programme highly valued by universities, colleges and employers."

The recent programme saw young people get stuck into activities such as climbing, canoeing, fencing, and surfing.

There were also skills workshops at the Hill End Centre in Cumnor, Oxford Brookes, UX2, Bite the Ballot and Mental Health Matters.

Fundraisers put on by the young adults included colour runs, gardening projects, and campaigning.

Shannon Timms was among those taking part, she said: "NCS has been one of the best experiences, and has helped me grow in confidence, make new friends, and try things I would never get to do in everyday life.

"It was the best summer I have had so far."

Her team mate Agata Stasik added: "NCS has truly helped me build my confidence, so much so I have just been on stage at Oxford Brookes University to speak about my experiences; something I would likely not have agreed to before my programme.

"I have also found myself becoming more independent in my everyday life, as well as taking on more challenges to push myself further and simply become a better me."

As part of the programme those taking part were given an awards ceremony to celebrate their efforts on September 8.

Take part in the next programme or for more details see oxfordshire.gov.uk/ncs