Students hoping to learn new skills during the summer holidays have received a visit from their local MP.

Nicholas Hurd, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, joined a group of his young constituents at Uxbridge College who are taking part in National Citizen Service (NCS), a nationwide youth programme which brings together 15 to 17-year-olds to learn new skills during the school holidays.

Young people participating in NCS take part in a variety of activities, including personal and team challenges, which benefit our local community.

About 8,000 young people in North London will take part in NCS this summer. During his visit, Mr Hurd met NCS participants in their second week of the programme and gave his support to their work that aims to:

·   develop their confidence, leadership, communication and teamwork at Bowles in Tunbridge Wells

·   learn skills for life and work, such as teamwork, budgeting and public speaking

·   volunteer with local organisations and charities including Harlington Hospice and Yeading Children’s Centre

Mr Hurd heard first-hand how NCS is helping to develop participants’ life skills, resilience, and wellbeing, and boost community engagement across the country. He visited the young people setting up for their Showcase, during which they demonstrate the skills and activities they’ve been building over the past week.

Mr Hurd said: "I was delighted to spend time with so many young people from Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner who are participating in National Citizen Service and making a difference in our local community.

"It’s fantastic to see the valuable work of NCS being supported in Uxbridge, helping local young people to further their education outside of the classroom, make new friends, and develop essential skills for work and life."

To find out more about NCS, or to sign up to take part, please visit: www.ncsthechallenge.org