November 11th was an incredibly poignant day for our country, and especially so for 18 year old Alex Elliott-Smith from Ponteland. Alex was one of 100 teenagers, all graduates of the National Citizen Service (NCS), who were invited by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to be part of the National Remembrance Service in London. Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the service was a hugely important event involving members of the Royal family, politicians and veterans, and Alex played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly. I am sure the occasion was memorable for Alex, and it was great to see a local young person taking part. Open to young people aged 16-17, the NCS programme takes place in school holidays and includes outdoor team-building exercises, a residential for participants to learn ‘life skills’, a community-based social action project and an end of programme celebration event. Graduate extension opportunities, such as volunteering at Armistice 100, are available to young people after they complete the programme.
