A volunteer group for teenagers, which has helped build "united and involved communities”, has been named as a finalist in a national awards ceremony.

Harrow’s National Citizen Service (NCS) was announced as one of three finalists in the Most Outstanding NCS Team category, last week.

The National Citizen Service runs an eight-week summer programme for 16-year-olds, to get them more involved in volunteering.

Volunteer Saad Deyoul, 17, said he was pleased about the group’s success.

He said: “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to share my ideas and my life experiences which could help someone learn from my mistakes.”

The finals will be announced at a special event in London, next month.

Harrow was one of the first local authorities to run the eight-week programme, in partnership with the V Charity and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, last summer.

It gives 16-year-olds the chance to learn new skills, gain friends and make a difference in their community.

The group focused on homelessness and carried out fundraising activities, including sponsored rough sleeping, fun days and raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

Anyone interested in taking part this summer can call Ali Abdu on 0208 424 1816.