A group of young jobseekers have been running their own shop as part of a project to help them into work or training.

The team, who are all in their late teens and early 20s and not in employment, education or training, have been running the shop at the Wealdstone Youth Centre, in High Street, Wealdstone.

The pop-up store selling clothes, toys, vouchers and accessories to the community marked the end of a 16-week project.

Kelly Stanton, 19, was part of the team. She said: “This project has been great for me and made me think about what I want to do.

“It has given me a lot of confidence and I would really recommend to anyone in might be in the situation I was in because it’s really helped.”

Luka Oceng, 24, who was also involved, said: “This project has been really rewarding and has really helped me understand what I need to do to find a job."

The scheme, called X16, is run by Harrow Borough Council’s youth development team aims to teach valuable skills to those not in education or employment.

Lauren Grant of the Harrow Youth development team said: “This is the first year we have run the project in-house by the council.

“Previously we would organise work experience for all the young people, but they didn’t really benefit from it.

“This year has been so much better and they have all worked so hard. We’re very proud of them.”

Many of those who have taken part in the past four months have now found a job, work experience or are now booked onto a college course.

Profits made by the team will be donated to Harrow Foodbank, which will use the money to help provide food and other essential items for people in need.

Foodbank project manager Oky Lee said: “We are very grateful to the whole team for their generosity.

“I have been really impressed in their work and what they have achieved.”

Council cabinet member for young people, Cllr Simon Brown said: “It’s great to see how actively engaged they are in helping the community whilst gaining new skills and experiences.

“Our X16 programme is one of many ways the council is helping young people get into work, training or education.”