YOUNG people involved in a Government programme were presented with certificates to mark their achievements.

Those who took part in the National Citizen Service (NSC) across Hampshire came together at Winchester Guildhall, where rowing Olympic gold medallist Alex Gregory, who is an ambassador for the NCS, awarded participants certificates and gold medals.

The scheme for 16 and 17-year-olds offers them the chance to take part in outdoor adventures, meet new people and make a difference in their local community. They also spend time away from home and work as a team on a project to improve the local area where they live.

Those who took part in NCS in Basingstoke spent a week at Marwell Activity Centre, and also planned a summer festival in War Memorial Park. This year’s programme was run by Basingstoke Consortium, in association with the Partnership Network, which delivers the scheme on behalf of the Government in Hampshire.

The young people’s experience culminated in the graduation ceremony on September 19. Leah Robson-Strange, an NCS participant from Basingstoke, said: “It is something that will look great on my CV and will hopefully help me when applying for jobs.”