A COURSE offering youngsters the chance to learn new skills during the summer holidays has been hailed a success.

A group of 31 students from Swindon College gathered for a graduation event after the four-week adventure programme, run by the National Citizen Service (NCS).

This programme is designed to give young people aged between 15 and 17 from around the UK the chance to learn new skills and experiences during the summer break.

Students attending got the chance to take part in activities such as sailing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, archery and abseiling.

The groups also spent time working within the community; painting gates and cutting back undergrowth at the Polo Ground, clearing undergrowth and litter from parks, cutting back over hanging shrubbery in residential areas and decorating the Community Café at the Toothill Community Centre.

A garden party was also organised for the Park Springs sheltered housing residents and a barbecue for residents in the area.

A total of £166 raised by various cake sales and bag packs at Asda, which was donated to STEP (Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project) and the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, two charities chosen by the students.

Course leader, Mark Cooper, said the course was a big success.

“It has a been an amazing four weeks and I hope all of our students will keep in contact with one another as so many good memories were made,” he said.

Swindon Mayor, Coun Teresa Page, was overwhelmed with the positive reflections students had of the programme.

“Students will take forward skills they have learned throughout this process and use them in years to come,” she said.

Anyone interested in joining the project next year should contact the School Liaison Team at Swindon College on 01793 491591.