Youngsters from schools in Falmouth, Penryn and Mullion have celebrated completing a 12-month course that has seen them developing their confidence and new skills.

The 12 secondary school students have been taking part in the third Citizenship for Life programme, in which they took part in monthly visits to charities and businesses.

Each was assigned their own mentor, from the world of business, who experienced everything with them.

It included visits to the Big Issue in Manchester and more locally RNAS Culdrose in Helston , all with the aim of showing the youngsters different aspects of life around the UK.

Now they, plus 12 students from two schools in Newquay, where a second course was run for the first time, have demonstrated what they have learnt at an awards ceremony held at Newquay’s Atlantic Hotel.

Humanitarian worker and charity founder Terry Waite, who became president of programme following a visit to his homeless charity Emmaus, also took part in the evening via a web link from New Zealand.

Lucie Robinson, Citizenship for Life project manager, said: “This kind of inspirational and stimulating learning environment raises each young person’s confidence and self-esteem and helps them to broaden their horizons, ignite their true career aspirations and ultimately help them to understand how to become a better and more active citizen.”

The programme has been so successful that Citizenship for Life is set to become a Community Interest Company.

Anyone wanting to get involved as a business or personal mentor next year should contact Lucie Robinson at lrobinson@cornwall.gov.uk