A group of Watford teenagers turned entrepreneurs to raise £540 for Peace Hospice Care.

They were taking part in the government youth scheme, National Citizen Service (NCS), and put on a festival-themed fashion show to raise money and awareness for the hospice.

The show was held at Watford FC's Vicarage Road Stadium and those who were treated to an array of festival fashions sported by the youngsters themselves.

As well as the catwalk, there was a raffle and "High St v Charity Shop" competition.

Watford MP Richard Harrington was among the guests at the event. He addressed the young fundraisers and commended them on organising the event and encouraged them to keep doing good in the community.

A patron of Peace Hospice Care, he said: "At first, to me, NCS seemed a bit ambitious.

"I never imagined it would be of the scale that it is today. From speaking to people about their experiences, I know a lot of them have felt confidence in themselves improve, as well as their understanding of the world and society around them.

"When you actually see what young people are prepared to do providing there’s an umbrella to facilitate it, I think it’s fantastic. I see [NCS] all around me in Watford; all the schools do it, and I just think it’s brilliant."

Mr Harrington ended his speech by thanking the young people on NCS for their hard work in Watford: "To people who have taken part in the course, well done. I think everyone would agree with me that it’s a fantastic thing. Thank you to the organisers, and to the people who have done such a lot for this community - it’s really appreciated."

Speaking during the build up to the show, Emily Barwick, 16, of Queens School, said: "NCS helps with social skills, meeting new people, confidence. It’s made us feel as though we can do anything. I’m so glad I did this - I would have really regretted it if I hadn’t."

NCS combines an outward bounds residential, skills-building workshops and community engagement to help give young people the best start in life.

For more information about NCS in Watford, call 0845 460 7410, email the NCS East Team on ncs.east@reed.co.uk or visit www.ncseast.co.uk