PRINCE'S Trust volunteers from Groundwork Wigan and Chorley have been based in Atherton for the past month.

The volunteers personal development programme lasts 12 weeks and gives unemployed young people aged 16-25 an opportunity to gain new skills by undertaking a variety of different challenges.

Team leader Wendy Robertson and about 15 volunteers will be based at Unit 2 of the Bag Lane Enterprise Centre, providing young people with a central base for Prince's Trust activities. This has been made possible due to government funding from Single Regeneration Budget Round 5 -- Atherton Building Communities.

Wendy told the Journal : "We will be doing all sorts of events from a residential week with kayaking and abseiling in the Lake District, to community projects and team challenges to aid charities and voluntary groups."

A variety of practical qualifications can be gained on The Prince's Trust Volunteers programme, including fire safety and first aid. Volunteers also get to choose a work placement and benefit from careers advice.