Teenagers Elley Timmins of Calne and Joseph Triki of Corsham have been selected out of 40,000 people to become national ambassadors for a Government programme.

After doing National Citizen Service and dedicating school holidays to their community, the pair have been selected as two of 100 young ambassadors.

National Citizen Service is a three-week programme that brings 16 and 17-year-olds from a range of backgrounds together to face outdoor challenges, learn skills for life and work, extend their social networks and make a mark on their community.

Elley, 16, of Swindon New College, and Joseph, 17, a student at Corsham School, took part in workshops focusing on personal and social development, including debating and problem solving.

Elley said: “Not only have I made incredible new friends I otherwise wouldn’t have met, but my confidence has also grown. I’m more comfortable to give my opinion, take part and help prove the traditional stereotypes of teenagers are wrong.”