YOUNG volunteers have raised more than £800 for a Cam community centre.

As part of the National Citizens Service programme, 13 teenagers spent the last two weeks of the summer holidays raising money in a variety of ways for their chosen charity, GL11 Community Hub.

The group of 16 and 17 year olds, from across Dursley, Stroud and the surrounding areas, organised jumble sales, cake stalls, street collections, a pub quiz, a 10 mile sponsored walk and went busking in Dursley.

The project concluded with a big music event at Rednock School, with lots of talented musicians from the area drafted in for support.

Nicky Whittaker, one of the young volunteers, said: “It was so much fun.

“The best part of it all was the people that we met through this work.

“We will be strong friends for life.”

Nicky, a pupil at Rednock, decided to take part in the scheme after the organisers came into her school and pitched NCS to them.

Taking part in the scheme leads to a National Citizens Service Award, which is looked on favourably by universities and employers.

“It’s been one of the best experiences I can remember,” said Nicky.

“We’ve grown as people, and taking part has made us all much more confident.

“Together with Dursley mayor Neil Grecian, I introduced the concert at Rednock, and read out the questions at our quiz night.

“I’d never have dreamed of speaking in front of a group of people like that before.”

Marion Lloyd, GL11 volunteer coordinator, said: “This group has worked incredibly hard, and it was all organized by themselves, from start to finish.

"Their effort, motivation and enthusiasm was inspiring.

“We were astounded when they brought us £800 in raised money.”

GL11 runs a variety of courses, from toddler groups, yoga, book club, choir, to knit and natter, plus training courses to improve English, computer skills and courses for adults with learning difficulties. The centre’s café cooks a hot meal every day and morning bacon butties.