ORGANISATIONS in Bolton and beyond are being given a helping hand by community minded young citizens.

Sixth-form students at Bolton School were recognised for their voluntary work throughout the last academic year, some completing as much as 200 hours — with the young people saying they gained as much from helping as they organisation they were helping.

Barry Dixon, deputy lieutenant of Greater Manchester praised the students for their volunteering efforts at this year's Community Action Awards Evening.

He said: "This is the first time I’ve seen such a well thought through and structured programme that engages young people and allows them to undertake volunteering on so many different levels. Again, listening to young people, I have been blown away by the assortment of volunteering activities."

Sixth-formers were presented with bronze, silver and gold certificates — representing how many hours of their time they had given up to help us — watched by family and representatives of the organisations they have helped.

They have volunteers in hospices and care homes, in charity shops and food banks, at Bolton Lads and Girls’ Club, coaching sports teams, helping with the School’s SHINE programme on Saturday morning, mentoring younger pupils and with helping with young people's groups.

Jessica Hindley, who volunteered at The Bridge at Leigh Community Café and Food Market, said: “Although I initially started at The Bridge to complete my Duke of Edinburgh Award, my time there has helped with much more. I developed customer service skills, learned how to use a till and most importantly I feel that I have genuinely helped my local community."

Joss Winstanley added: “Whilst the impacts you may make may seem small to you, to those who need it and benefit from it, they can be far greater than you can imagine.

"School has always encouraged us to take part in volunteering from an early age, as it is seen by universities and employers and something that sets us apart from everyone else."

Matthew Schaffel, who volunteered at Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: "For me, this is more than just another conversation starter at an interview or another line on my CV.

"It is a truly rewarding and satisfying experience, which gives a sense of truly being part of something special that makes a difference to people’s lives."

The school has previously received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.