Teenagers in St Albans and Harpenden are needed for a new government-funded scheme aimed at getting young people involved in the community.

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is an initiative run by education company By Design designed to give 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to develop new skills, gain confidence and broaden their horizons.

Participants will take part in a team-building week packed with activities such as cave bouldering, rafting and abseiling.

They will then spend two weeks coming up with their own volunteering event in their community.

Together they will plan, organise, find funding and run the event.

Nick Hurd MP, the minister for civil society, said: "I am delighted that By Design will be providing young people in St Albans and Harpenden with the chance of a lifetime to develop their skills, take on new challenges and adventures, meet new people from a range of backgrounds and have a lot of fun along the way."

Organisers are now looking for young people in the St Albans area to take part in the programme, which will run during the summer holidays.

Robbie Ridler, NCS project manager at By Design, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this inspiring project.

"We need all of St Albans and Harpenden's teenagers who are up for a fun challenge to say yes."

Television presenter Bear Grylls, who is an ambassador for the scheme, said: "This is one of the most exciting projects in the UK at the moment, empowering our youth with much-needed life skills through adventure."

To find about more about the scheme, including details of how to take part, visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.