A new National Citizen Service programme for young people in Northern Ireland will run again this year, according to the Department for Social Development.

Following a successful programme in 2012, the scheme is now scheduled for Autumn 2013 and Summer 2014.

The National Citizen Service will see 700 young people get involved in social action projects with local communities and schools.

The programme works by putting together teams of young people from different communities in Northern Ireland and setting them the task of finding solutions to local problems or issues.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our local young people and brings huge personal benefits in terms of self awareness and development, but also, has huge benefits for the community. The 2012 Pilot Programme was an overwhelming success and I was very impressed by the young people I met at the graduation ceremony earlier this year where the young people said they were proud of what they achieved on the programme.

"The positive experience they gained on the NCS programme will enable them to play an ongoing role in strengthening the communities they live in and has allowed them to meet and get to know young people they wouldn’t normally mix with. This is why I'm delighted to announce that DSD will be funding the programme for another two years.

"The National Citizen Service Programme gives young people the chance to learn new skills and get involved in their communities. Their contribution and ongoing commitment to their local communities is at the heart of the programme, helping them fully contribute their all to the community as citizens of the United Kingdom."

(IT/JP)