“IT has been absolutely amazing listening to our young people campaigning for issues that really matter.”

That was Leigh MP Jo Platt’s response after spending time with a group of young people who took over Bradshawgate in the town centre on Sunday as part of National Citizen Service (NCS).

The nationwide youth programme brings together 15 to 17-year-olds to learn new skills during the school holidays.

They take part in a variety of activities, including personal and team challenges, which benefit the community.

The latest part of the programme saw 65 enthusiastic young people from Leigh raise awareness of issues they care about, including promoting better understanding of mental health issues, dementia and inclusion in society, the work of Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre and the importance of protecting bees.

They set up stalls on Bradshawgate to engage the public through games and face painting and highlight the issues.

Miss Platt said: “For me it is really important that we bring our young people’s voices out here in Leigh and I was really honoured to be a part of Sunday.

“It is fantastic to see the valuable work of NCS being supported in Leigh, helping young people to further their education outside the classroom, make new friends and develop essential skills for work and life.”

The group first developed their confidence, leadership, communication and teamwork at Benmore outdoor centre in Scotland.

They then learnt skills for life and work, such as cooking, budgeting, public speaking and working with charities, while staying at the University of Manchester.

The activities were organised by The Challenge, a UK charity for building a more integrated society and the largest provider of NCS in England.

For more information, or to sign up a teenager, visit ncsthechallenge.org or call 0161 244 9072.