A group of teenagers helped spruce up the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas in Newcastle when they took part in a day-long challenge. The volunteers, aged between 16 and 22, were from the Tyneside branch of Tomorrow’s People, a national employment charity that works to help young people secure jobs by giving them as wide an experience as possible.

The event formed part of Tomorrow’s People Working It Out programme and the group made quick progress dusting and sweeping the Cathedral windowsills and floor in preparation for the Christmas decorations to go up. Before carrying out the challenge, the group attended the Remembrance Service at the Cathedral, which they found extremely moving.

Cathedral Events Manager Pam Walker MBE said: “It was very useful having the teenagers in for the day. Some of the areas in the Cathedral can be very difficult to get to and having younger people on hand was excellent. They really have spruced up the Cathedral.

“We have an existing volunteer team within our congregation and the wider diocese, who do a terrific job, but to have some extra help was greatly appreciated.”

Working It Out aims to create real opportunities for 16-24 year olds and make sure they have a stable future in the workplace. It has moved away from classroom-based provision and instead encourages involvement, initiative and leadership through working on a community challenge. Community challenges are central to the programme and a successful way for young people to gain valuable practical work experience that they can market to employers.