Scores of Three Rivers youngsters have dedicated their time to make their community a better place.

The volunteering scheme, run as a collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Connexions team and the National Citizen Service (NCS), saw 45 16 and 17-year-olds each dedicate 60 hours of their time to help.

The volunteers were divided into three teams to work on different projects in the community over the last two weeks.

One of the projects is to landscape an area of land owned by Thrive Homes in South Oxhey for the benefit of the local community, including young families and older residents.

The volunteers have worked on designing the area, consulting local residents and identifying the necessary resources.

The two other teams have been busy with their own projects, one of which has allowed young people to do some important conservation work in Leavesden Country Park. The other has looked at raising awareness of mental health issues that affect young people as well as raising funds for the charity Mind.

Andrew, one of the team members working to raise awareness of mental health, said: "Teenagers do care about society. We’ve shown that and we’re only 17 of them."

Jason, another of the volunteers, said: "I really can't put into words how glad I am I took part in NCS. It was truly amazing."

James, a third volunteer said: "I have really enjoyed helping out the community to raise awareness of anxiety and the activities were really good in developing my skills."

Hertfordshire County Council said the two-week project was aimed at helping young people develop their skills and learn how to work as a team.

They also attended workshops by local businesses and researched areas of their community that are in need.

Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "From the feedback the young people have given it is clear they have got a lot from participating in the three programmes delivered in Three Rivers over the last month.

"It’s great to hear how much they have learned from and enjoyed the experience while - through their social action projects - putting something back into their local communities."