TEENAGERS across Bury are invited to embark on a summer adventure as well as giving something back to their community.

There are still spaces for 15 to 17-year-olds in Bury to join this year's National Citizen Service (NCS) programme — a four-week course which sees participants face their fears, develop new skills and undertake a social action project.

Run by social integration charity The Challenge, the subsidised programme offers young people the chance to try their hand at abseiling, rafting, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and more.

NCS encourages young people from different backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, age groups, social classes, sexualities, genders and disabilities to interact and socialise through a range of challenges.

Dominic May, performance and operations director for The Challenge, said: “Research shows that we tend to build friendships with people of similar education, age and ethnicity as ourselves, meaning we are missing out on connecting with our wider society.

"Young people from Bury are invited to take on new challenges together this summer, new adventures and give back to their community through social action projects.

"This is a unique experience, giving our young people a new and better perception of so-called ‘differences’, which in turn leads to a more integrated society."

NCS sees young people build their confidence and skills through tasks, including cooking, public speaking and campaigning, and forge new friendships with others.

To date, more than 185,000 15 to 17-year-olds have taken part in NCS.

One young person who took part last year said: "NCS allowed me to do things I thought I would never do. It really showed me that I can overcome my boundaries and I learnt to be more independent and outgoing.

"If you're looking for a summer of fun, that is both productive and enjoyable, NCS is for you."

The summer programme runs from June to September.

The subsidised programme costs £50 but young people who could struggle to raise that money can call the team.

The £50 covers the cost of the entire experience, including food, accommodation and activities.

Young people can book between now and early August by visiting www.ncsthechallenge.org or calling 020 3510 5050.