MP Chris Green met the country's young citizens to hear how they are helping to change the community for the better.

The Bolton West MP dropped in at Bolton Lads and Girls Club to speak to teenagers taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) this summer.

NCS is a voluntary programme for 16 and 17-years-olds which helps teenagers personal and social development through fun activities.

Mr Green met teenagers who were working to raise awareness of the effects of high energy drinks.

He said: "It was fantastic to see the National Citizen Service programme in action and see first-hand the positive impact this scheme has had on young people from across Bolton.

“Bolton Lads and Girls Club is a brilliant resource for young people in our area and I’m looking forward to supporting their new Westhoughton Youth Project.”

As part of the programme young people take part in a residential course where they take part in new challenges and meet new people.

They also live as students in halls of residence where they have to look after themselves from shopping on a budget to cooking and cleaning.

In the final two weeks the group decided how they can give something back to the community through the social action project.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club has delivered the programme for five years and is now the biggest local provider.

Karen Edwards, Chief Executive of the club, said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to meet with some of our members and witness the work we do with young people across the town via our wide range of programmes and activities, including NCS.

"It is an exciting year for the Club, we are just finishing our biggest Summer delivery of NCS programme and we are expanding our services with the development of Westhoughton Youth Project and our Hacken Lane Multi Sports Facility, which we hope Chris and the local community will continue to support us with for the benefit of young people.”

Fatimah Natha, aged 16, who took part in the scheme, said: “NCS has been a great and enjoyable experience for me and the rest of the group. I have made so many new friends; I didn’t know any of them before."

Places are available on NCS Autumn 2015, which will run throughout October half term.

For those who are interested in taking part or for more information ring 01204 540100 or email ncs@blgc.co.uk