Wanderers coach Phil Brown has given unemployed youngsters hope by telling them all about his struggle to find work during his teenage years.

The former Wanderers player gave a speech at the Bolton Prince's Trust presentation evening at The Reebok stadium, where he also presented the 10 volunteers certificates for completing a 12-week course.

He told them of his experience of leaving school with few qualifications and how he had to fight hard to get a job.

After the ceremony, Phil said: "The evening touched me on a personal level because I have been in the situation where you have to do something off your own back about getting a job. When I left school, I only had three GCSEs and the stark reality of not having a job really frightened me.

"I went to college and realised everyone on the course was employed except me and their employers were putting them through the course. Two months later, someone employed me and I went on to finish my electrical engineering course."

He added: "That is what these young people need to do. They need to meet the employers half way and, I would say to employers, these people are worth taking a chance on, like someone did with me."

Volunteers Martin Hill, aged 17, and Lyndsay Gregory, also 17, say the Prince's Trust course has been invaluable.

Martin, of Goldrill Avenue, Breightmet, said: "The course has given me a lot more confidence. I'm going to set my own business."

The course was run by Bolton fire service and the volunteers have spent their time converting a garden at Thomasson Memorial School and taking disadvantaged people on day trips.

The Bolton Prince's Trust is based at the YMCA on Deansgate. Call 01204 391983 for more information.